Demands withdrawal of all cases
Accusing the State Government of once again trying to incite violence through proposed move to withdraw cases against Muslim leaders in Muzaffarnagar riots, the BJP asked Governor Bl Joshi to intervene and stop appeasement policy of the SP Government or get all the cases withdrawn, including those lodged against its leaders, in connection with the violence. The party also threatened agitation if the Government tried to put further pressure of power tariff hike on consumers.
Alleging that the Government’s move would disturb communal harmony in the State, the BJP submitted a memorandum to the Governor, demanding his immediate intervention in the matter. In its memorandum, the BJP alleged that on the basis of reports lodged against 4,000 people in connection with the violence, police were terrorising and financially harassing them” and the Government was not concerned with that, BJP’s chief spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak said. The delegation was led by State president laxmi Kant Bajpai.
Demanding that the cases be withdrawn, Pathak pointed out that cases had been lodged against BJP MlAs Suresh Rana, Sangeet Som and a dozen others in similar Sections (as lodged against Muslim leaders). He said these cases should also be withdrawn. The BJP leader said the Government was not clarifying why opinion of the law Department and the District Magistrate was sought on these cases. Riots in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas, which began in the last week of August last year, claimed over 60 lives and left thousands homeless. Several cases of inciting violence with inflammatory speeches have been lodged against religious and political leaders.
The party also alleged that the power tariff was highest in the State, but the UP Power Corporation limited has once again started process to hike it. Pathak said that instead of realising dues of `10,000 crore pending against State Government and `16,000 crore pending on other big players, the Power Corporation is trying to put entire pressure on common man to which the BJP would not tolerate and will launch a demonstration.
Meanwhile in meeting headed by incharge of the party affairs here in UP, Amit Shah and State president, laxmi Kant Bajpai, here on Tuesday afternoon the Party decided to complete all election related formalities by January 30.