Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh assembly Mata Prasad Pandey has attacked the state government on several key issues, raising serious questions about corruption, law and order, encounter policy, and employment.
Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks at the Governor’s address on Friday, the Samajwadi Party leader said there was no substantive discussion on the crucial issue of corruption in the House, while the general public is most troubled by it.
He said investigations against IAS officers are pending with the Lokayukta, and complaints have also been filed against several officers and others, but the House has not been given any clear information on their status. If the Lokayukta’s recommendations were brought to the floor of the House, members could have reviewed them.
He also questioned the Lokayukta’s tenure, saying that it is unclear how long his term will last. The Lokayukta has been in office for eight years, and the government should provide clarity on this matter.
Commenting on law and order, the leader of the Opposition said that the recent rise in police personnel’s involvement in criminal incidents is worrying. He said that the DGP’s office does not appear to be functioning effectively and the state is being run under an acting system.
He demanded that a permanent DGP be appointed, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s intention, so that officers can work without any pressure.
Pandey also raised questions about the incidents of encounters. He said that a wrong precedent that ruins someone’s future should not be established. If a wrong precedent is set today, future governments may go even further.
Calling for amendments to the Gangster Act, he said that it should not be misused. He recalled that this Act was enacted during the tenure of former Chief Minister Veer Bahadur Singh, and he had opposed it even then. He said that crime will not be eradicated by bullets alone, but it is necessary to instill trust in the system.
Expressing concern over cybercrimes, he said that organized cyber gangs are targeting ordinary people at home, and the government should take strict and effective action against them.
The leader of the Opposition also questioned the government’s policies on the issue of employment. He stated that while claims are being made about large industries, small and cottage industries are not receiving the desired boost. He demanded that closed industries be restarted and a concrete policy be formulated to bring back the youth who have migrated from the state.
He also commented on the issue of reservation, saying that if any group wishes to raise their demands, they should directly communicate with the Chief Minister, but there should be clarity between previous statements and current stance.
The House witnessed several heated discussions amid the Leader of the Opposition’s sharp questions. Responses from the government on these issues remain awaited.