Political parties SP and BJP engage in verbal sparring following the vandalism of a historical tomb in Fatehpur, with discussions centering around law and order issues.
In the Upper House of the Uttar Pradesh assembly, a heated debate ensued on Tuesday, centring around the vandalism of a Fatehpur mausoleum and the state's law and order situation. The debate was marked by exchanges between the Leader of Opposition, Lal Bihari Yadav, and Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, as well as other members from both the ruling BJP and the Opposition parties.
The discussion revolved around accusations and counter-accusations, with the Opposition accusing the BJP government of attempting to disturb communal peace. In contrast, the government maintained that the UP Police has significantly improved its functioning through hard work and smart technology use, ensuring no criminal escapes the law and efforts to modernize the force continue.
The vandalism incident at the Fatehpur mausoleum sparked uproar, with Opposition leaders alleging government complicity or negligence. However, there is no direct detailed official statement on the vandalism case outcome. The broader context reflects ongoing stress on law enforcement enhancement and technological empowerment of the police.
Beyond the immediate issue, there are underlying concerns about legal compliance in upholding law and order. Reports of police non-compliance with UP Information Commission orders indicate institutional challenges remain in fully reinstating rule of law and transparency across governance.
During the debate, Lal Bihari Yadav objected to statements made by Keshav Prasad Maurya, the Leader of the House and deputy chief minister, accusing him of corruption in police stations. Maurya, in response, said the matter would be investigated, and action would be taken accordingly.
Maurya also accused the previous SP regime of being full of criminals and creating an atmosphere of fear in the state. He claimed that since coming to power in 2017, stern action has been ensured against criminals. However, the context of the phrase "fake PDA" remains unclear.
Separately, MLC Mukul Yadav raised the Fatehpur mausoleum issue, questioning the law and order situation in the state. Jasmeer Ansari, another SP MLC, raised issues related to protocols for lawmakers and the removal of inauguration stones with their names. Kiranpal Kashyap, another SP MLC, questioned the law and order, claiming it is a struggle for the poor to get an FIR registered in the current regime.
The debate was not limited to the Fatehpur mausoleum incident. Mukul Yadav claimed that around 10 murders and 9 rapes are committed in the state every day, and the law and order situation is poor. Maurya dismissed all allegations about the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. He referred to the Samajwadi Party as a "sinking ship."
In conclusion, the vandalism of the Fatehpur mausoleum has triggered a political debate focusing on communal tensions, with the Opposition accusing the BJP government of communal polarisation linked to such incidents. The government maintains that the UP Police has significantly improved its functioning under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. However, broader systemic issues, including concerns over institutional compliance and accountability within the police and administration, remain unaddressed.
