'Certain people, parties spoiling atmosphere in UP'

Akhilesh warns troublemakers of stern action

 Facing flak over incidents of communal clashes in Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav alleged that certain “people and political parties”, frustrated over the achievements of his government, are spoiling atmosphere of the state.

“But we will check communal forces and take stern action against those harming brotherhood,” Akhilesh said.

In Samajwadi Party government’s brief tenure, the state has witnessed at least five cases of communal clashes in different parts. Last month, Faizabad city witnessed violence, leading to a week-long curfew in the area.

The CM said efforts will be taken to ensure that farmers get a good price for sugarcane. He added that the BSP government’s decision to end sports quota in jobs will be reviewed and revived.

“Sportsmen will be allocated vacant posts and given due respect,” said Akhilesh.
He added that multipurpose halls in rural areas will be allocated to sportsmen. He announced construction and  broadening of two dozen roads and five bridges.

Litmus test

With the winter session of the UP Assembly slated to begin on November 23, the Samajwadi Party government could face its first litmus test in the House as opposition parties sharpen their knives on a host of issues, including the deteriorating law and order situation and festering communal unrest.

It is the second sitting of the 16th Vidhan Sabha after the budget session in June, which had passed off peacefully except for a day of vocal protests. While close aides of the chief minister said there was “nothing to worry about”, opposition leaders are in no mood to relent.

Swamy Prasad Maurya, leader of the opposition in the Assembly and Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary, said the house was the right forum to take up issues plaguing the state.

“In the last seven months of the SP rule, there has been only jungle raaj in the state. This government is anti-Dalit and all people in the state are facing tough times,” said Maurya. “Our people have sent us to the Assembly to raise their problems and we will do that to the best of our abilities.”