Shun land grab, says Akhilesh

Apparently wary of ‘negative fallout’ of alleged deteriorating law and order situation in the state and blatant violation of law by his party workers, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav asked the partymen to shun ‘land grabbing’ and ‘thana’ (police station) politics and focus on strengthening the party at grass root level.

The chief minister, who appeared to be upset over the reports of incidents of breaking of law by the Samajwadi Party leaders and workers, said the law and order situation in the state would improve if they stopped interfering with police work.

“If you stop interfering in the work of police, crime rate will automatically come down,” Akhilesh said while addressing party workers here on Monday.

He said he had been receiving numerous complaints of land grabbing by the SP leaders.
“Being the members of the ruling party we have greater responsibility,” he said.

The chief minister said the leaders and workers, who have been indulging in land grabbing and break law blatantly, were doing a disservice to the party.

“It is neither in their interest nor is it in the interest of the party,” he added.

‘Prepare for next polls’

Akhilesh asked the workers to instead focus on ‘people oriented’ work and strengthen the organisation at the grass root level.  He also asked them to prepare for the next Assembly polls in 2017.

“We will have to work harder to retain power in 2017,” he added. According to the SP sources, Akhilesh was sore at reports of harassment and assault of police officials and ordinary people in different parts of the state by SP leaders.

“The chief minister has sounded the warning bell. He has indicated that he will act tough against erring leaders,” said a senior state SP leader here.