Political Tensions Rise Over Special Intensive Review in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, September 27 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions have escalated in Uttar Pradesh regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR). The remarks made by Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav have drawn sharp responses from state ministers and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They have accused the SP of questioning constitutional and democratic institutions.

In Varanasi, UP Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar stated that the Samajwadi Party and its leader have yet to accept their defeat in the 2022 assembly elections. He criticized the SP for consistently raising doubts about constitutional and democratic processes following their loss.

Rajbhar pointed out that voter list revisions have occurred in the past, citing years such as 1952, 1957, 1961, 1965, and 2003, when different governments were in power. He emphasized that discussions about election-related matters should be based on facts rather than political accusations.

In Ghazipur, BJP State Vice President Krishna Bihari Rai also criticized the Samajwadi Party, claiming it is rife with disorderly elements. He noted that in 2017, the people of Uttar Pradesh voted to remove the previous government due to alleged chaos.

Rai suggested that the SP leaders are anxious after being out of power for a long time. When confronted with questions regarding their political actions, they tend to attack those who hold them accountable. He labeled this behavior as a malicious attempt by the SP and expressed confidence that the truth would become clear over time.

Responding to allegations of corruption made by Akhilesh Yadav, Rai asserted that the BJP has earned public trust through its service and that people see peace, security, and development under their governance.

In Lucknow, Minister Sanjay Nishad addressed issues related to constitutional protections. He argued that if any group or community is granted protection under the constitution, there should be no justification for its removal. He reiterated that the constitution ensures rights to respect, security, equality, prosperity, and self-reliance for all citizens.

Nishad also commented on the political ties between the Samajwadi Party and Congress, noting that the SP was formed in opposition to Congress policies. He pointed out that Congress has faced allegations of failing to deliver justice to marginalized communities, a claim that has also been directed at the SP for not fulfilling its promises to these groups.

Regarding the SIR controversy, Nishad stated that both agreement and disagreement are part of any democratic process. He described the Election Commission as a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

He urged the opposition to present solid evidence before questioning the Election Commission. Nishad claimed that the appointment process of the Election Commission now includes institutional procedures and opposition participation. He accused the opposition of accepting the election process when they win but questioning it when they lose.

Akhilesh Yadav has also called for re-elections in Bengal and Bihar due to alleged election fraud, asserting that the BJP is involved in vote manipulation. He remains confident that the Samajwadi Party will form the next government in the state after the upcoming assembly elections.