The fresh bout of caste violence in Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh triggered a blame game between the ruling BJP and the BSP on Wednesday, with both parties holding each other responsible for aggravating the situation.
Accusing the BJP government of being “fully responsible and guilty” for the violence in Saharanpur, BSP chief Mayawati said the “saffron brigade” had got a free hand to commit casteist and communal violence.
Ms. Mayawati, who visited the troubled area on Tuesday and met Dalit families whose houses were torched during recent attacks allegedly by the dominant Thakur community, said the BJP government did not arrange proper security in the villages as it did not like her visit.
One person was killed and several injured as fresh caste violence erupted for the third time in the Chandrapura village of the district on Tuesday, on the day Ms. Mayawati toured the area.
‘Govt. neglectful’
Ms. Mayawati said the fresh violence took place due to the “neglect” of the district administration, which was working in “collusion” with “BJP supporters.”
Casteist elements belonging to the BJP-RSS are trying to spoil the social harmony and are “openly misusing government machinery,” she alleged. Ms. Mayawati deputed her four top lieutenants to meet CM Yogi Adityanath later in the evening and demand strict legal action against the guilty and compensation to the victims.
The delegation included Satish Chandra Mishra, national general secretary, and BSP UP president Ram Achal Rajbhar.
After the meeting, Mr. Mishra said they informed the CM about Ms. Mayawati’s reason for visiting the troubled area, while complaining to him about the lack of proper arrangements for her. The district administration denied her permission to fly by helicopter and she had to travel to Saharanpur from Delhi by road.
While Ms. Mayawati claimed that she had appealed for “peace and brotherhood” during her visit to Saharanpur, BJP government spokesperson Shrikant Sharma blamed her for the escalation of tension.“There was an atmosphere of peace and harmony in Saharanpur district, but the arrival of the former Chief Minister created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty and an unfortunate incident took place, in which an innocent young man was killed,” Mr. Sharma said.
He said the Opposition parties were unable to digest the achievements of the BJP government and in frustration, after their defeats, were involved in a conspiracy against the U.P. government.
