Accepting that there “might have been administrative lapse” in Mathura, where 29 people, including two policemen, were killed, Uttar Pradesh Public Works Minister Shivpal Yadav said here on Sunday the Bharatiya Janata Party should not take any name without “proof”.
“There might be administrative lapse in Mathura. The inquiry is under way and those patronising such people [scrupulous elements, encroachers] won’t be spared,” Mr. Yadav said.
Reacting strongly to allegations levelled against him by BJP chief Amit Shah over the violence, Mr. Yadav said the party should not take any name without proof.
He also said the Samajwadi Party is against “scrupulous elements and encroachers” and the State government has given directions against them.
In Lucknow too, senior party leader Ambika Chowdhury said BJP leaders should “give a proof to corroborate their allegations against him [Shivpal]”.