A day before the Samajwadi Legislature Party meets here to elect its leader, SP president Mulayam Singh and his son Akhilesh Yadav said lawlessness would not be tolerated, and law and order would be strictly maintained. Both of them dubbed the recent incidents of hooliganism, allegedly by SP workers, a “conspiracy” by some elements to defame the party.
In another development, Chief Secretary Anup Mishra and Director-General of Police Atul were on Friday summoned by Mr. Singh, but the outcome of the in-camera meeting at the party office was not known. However, informed sources said Mr. Singh asked the officers to ensure maintenance of law and order and bring anti-social elements to book.
Addressing party workers who had come to offer him Holi greetings, Mr. Singh said the alleged involvement of SP workers in the recent incidents was a conspiracy by vested interests. He said the new government would not hesitate to punish the guilty even if they were party workers.
The spate of violent incidents within hours of the SP's victory in the just-concluded Assembly elections, with allegations being levelled against its workers, clearly had the leadership worried. Mr. Yadav issued a statement late on Tuesday night condemning the hooliganism in Jhansi and Firozabad and the attack on journalists.
On Friday, he said no leniency would be shown to those indulging in anti-social activities.
Giving a clean chit to SP workers, Mr. Yadav, who is the State unit president, told reporters that the leadership would not hesitate to expel them if they were found guilty of indulging in violence and arson. The incidents were the handiwork of some persons who could not come to terms with the party's victory. Even as he condemned the efforts to malign the party, Mr. Yadav said the “law should take its course.”
Mr. Yadav blamed some officials for not fulfilling their responsibility and said those who did not come down heavily on the anti-social elements would be dealt with strictly.
Our experience has been that during Mulayam Singh Yadav's regime, the
local party workers of SP behaved as if they are related to Mulasingh
Yadav and can do anything they like. That is the fear of many at
local level (i mean small cities and towns). I agree with comments
above that during Mayavati's period, we did not see such dadagiri,
harassment or goondagardi.
I have become a fan of Akhilesh and I am sure he understands the
sentiments of the people and will strict to his words and instructs
all the local SP karyakartas to behave properly. Congrats Akhilesh.
There is no point in making loud speeches about removing lawlessness
etc. Like Tuco saying after killing the one armed man in famous
Western "When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk" If you want a
job done, just do it. Actions speak louder than words. Nitish Kumar
of Bihar is great example to follow. This is a country with very many distinct traditions, vastly divergent customs and convictions with so many viewpoints. Key to successful governance is to understand these well respected aspects, appreciation of richness and more importantly, need for tolerance.
I am not one who can read minds of any one, what to talk of Akhlesh or Mulayam Yadav. But I know one think- there was no law and order in the earlier rule of Mulayam. His party has mostly criminals at lower level. He can always blame his opponents to fuel violence, as he did in the past. It may convince some people too. Mayawati was not a progress oriented CM, but she sure controlled Goodas of Mulayam's Party. It is unfortunate that criminals in UP have a better chance to get elected, irrespective of their Party affiliation. It is unlikely that UP will ever be like Panjab,Gujarat, Maharashtra or Southen States, such as Andhra Pradesh, who often get effective leaders. It has not happened to UP for a long time. It is unimportant if leader is Rahul or Akhilesh. What matters is what kind of government they provide.
I think what Akhilesh says has some appeal. As he says, may be the frustrated opponents who are defeated by SP are behind the lawlessness incidences took place in UP after victory of SP.However, it is not correct to jump to the conclusion but it is possible in politics to make mischiefs and then to blame others.Truth will come out after investigations. But, one thing is very much clear that Mulayamsingh ji and Akhilesh have made up their mind to remove lawlessness from UP.It appears from their words and their body language.
Mulyam Singh's previous stints as Chief Minister of UP will be remembered as a period of corruption and goon raj. Mayawati in any case was thousand times better inspite of corruption. Mayawati's regime saw the goon raj at its low and she had dealt with an iron hand. Whether UP will benefit with Samajwadi rule or will go back to its dubious days of looting, corruption and goon raj under Mulyam Singh is to be seen and watched. But for his son Akhilesh, Mulyam would have been no where and his son has given him a new lease of life in Indian politics. Whether the father becomes the CM or his son, they should remember if they stoop low to bring in anarchy again in UP, they will be thrown out in the next elections.
By far we have seen the most peaceful election in UP this time around.The credit goes to Akhilesh Yadav - the educated and mature son of Mulayalam singh. He is the new face of SP. To help UP develop, we must give one chance to this young and dynamic and purposeful leader one chance to rule UP. When ineffective, arrogant and pampered leader like Rahul Gandhi can be considered for Prime Ministership, why not Akhilesh Yadav, the architect of SP victory, as CM of UP. Let us give the young blood a chance. Omar Abdullah is emerging as a mature leader.These young guns must be given a chance to design the destiny of India.
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