UP Minister trashes Kairana exodus charge, slams BJP

The war of words over Kairana "migration" today intensified with ruling Samajwadi Party trashing charges of "exodus" and accusing the BJP of vitiating the communal atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls.

"There is no exodus in Kairna or anywhere in the state. We have intelligence and other reports in this regard. BJP leaders including Hukum Singh and others are inciting communal passions for political gains as Assembly elections are near," SP spokesman and senior cabinet minister Shivpal Yadav told reporters here.

"The entire state has become aware of them (BJP leaders) ...They are involved in all illegal works including grabbing land and fake currency trade. We are also initiating probe against them and strict action will be taken," he said.

"Their only work is to orchestrate riots and let people fight with each other but the state government will not let this happen. They are the same people who masterminded the Muzzafarnagar riots," Shivpal said at a hurriedly convened press conference.

A delegation of leaders of five parties that visited Kairana had yesterday hit out at the BJP for giving a "communal" angle to the migration of families even as the saffron party had taken a swipe at JD(U) and RJD, which were part of the group, for "vitiating" the atmosphere after "failing" to run Bihar.

However, JD(U) MP and spokesperson K C Tyagi, who along with D Raja of CPI and Mohammad Salim of CPI-M, D P Tripathi of NCP and RJD's Manoj Jha went to the western UP town, said the area was hit by poor law and order, forcing many families to leave over the years.

Shivpal suggested that a team of five "apolitical persons" visit Kairana to probe the reality.

"We suggest Pramod Krishnam, Swami Kalyan, Naraina Giri, Swami Chinmayanand and Swamy Chakrapani to go and see the reality and give report.I urge them through the media to visit there as soon as possible," he said.

Shivpal said BJP leaders "look good" from outside but their intentions were "bad". They tried to vitiate atmosphere of Ayodhya, which the government had thwarted, he charged.

"They should also tell as to how many people migrated from Gujarat after riots there," he said.

About allegations levelled against him in connection with the Mathura incident by BJP, which also demanded his resignation, Shivpal said, "Party leader Amar Singh had already replied to it."

On withdrawal of Amar Singh's security, he said, "We are samajwadi (socialists) people, we will ourself ensure our security."

Advising BJP to practicise "healthy politics", he said they should not try to create communal tension with an eye on the Assembly elections.

"Be it Sangeet Som (BJP MlA) or anyone else the state government will not let any one to plan riots. We will collect proof against them and will expose them before the media soon," he said.

Shivpal also released a list of 10 party candidates for 2017 Assembly polls. With this, the party has so far declared candidates for 156 seats (out of total 403 seats).