LoP attacks UP govt over graft, policing and jobs

Lucknow: Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led UP govt, accusing it of failing to uphold the principles of Sanatan dharma, curb corruption, ensure effective policing and generate employment.Speaking on the floor of the UP assembly during a discussion on the governor's address at the start of ongoing Budget session, Pandey took a swipe at the BJP over its repeated references to Sanatan values. "You all speak about Sanatan, and Sanatan speaks of universal brotherhood. If you call yourself Sanatani, then try to run the state according to those principles," Pandey said.
Referring to the recent visit of Shankaracharya, Pandey said he did not wish to comment on the controversy but alleged that officials misbehaved with his disciples. "Shankaracharya holds an important position in Sanatan dharma. If he felt insulted, it is a matter of concern. Such incidents should not happen," he said, adding that any resentment must be addressed respectfully.Pandey said that if the governor's speech was fully implemented on the ground, it could transform the state, but claimed that "the reality is far from what has been presented."Highlighting corruption as the biggest issue troubling the public, Pandey alleged that the governor's address barely touched upon it.He recalled that the lokayukta institution was formed in 1975 to tackle corruption and that an Act was enacted for the purpose. However, he alleged, that its provisions were not implemented effectively. Reports against several officials, including four IAS officers and a district panchayat chairperson, were not tabled in the assembly, he claimed.Pandey also raised concerns over the tenure of the lokayukta, noting that while the term was initially five years and later extended to eight years, a provision now allows the incumbent to continue until a successor is appointed.The LoP alleged that the police became "unrestrained" and blamed the appointment of an acting director general of police (DGP) for weakening the system. "If a permanent DGP is appointed, he cannot be removed for two years and will be able to implement reforms," Pandey said.He questioned the govt's claims of improved law and order, particularly in the context of 262 reported encounters in the state. "Encounter is not a practice provided in our Constitution. Merely gunning down criminals will not improve law and order," he remarked.Pandey also criticised the use of the Gangster Act, introduced during the tenure of former chief minister Veer Bahadur Singh, saying he opposed it at the time, warning of its long-term impact. He alleged that the Act is being misused to harass innocent people and called for its proper implementation.In an apparent reference to mafia-turned-politician Vijay Mishra, Pandey questioned why action was taken against his son after he returned to India from studies in the United States. "Do not destroy someone's future," he said.Raising concerns about women's safety, he asked whether a woman could safely travel from Aminabad to Hazratganj in Lucknow without fear. "Chain snatching incidents are happening. This must be stopped," he said.He further pointed to the emergence of new organised crime groups despite the govt's claims of eliminating mafia and questioned whether adequate attention was being paid to cybercrime.He stressed the importance of promoting small-scale industries, calling them more crucial than large industries for employment generation.Expressing concern over the quality of govt schools, Pandey questioned why parents prefer private institutions. "Two types of education are being created — one for the poor and one for the rich. Govt school quality must improve," he said.In a veiled remark aimed at Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad, Pandey said the Nishad community has yet to receive reservation benefits. "We are not against reservation. We have fought long battles for it," he added.On the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), Pandey alleged large-scale corruption and commission practices that weakened the quality of work under the scheme. Overall, he accused the state govt of failing to match its claims with ground realities and called for corrective measures across governance, policing, employment and social justice sectors. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !