UP govt to withdraw 20k 'politically motivated' cases

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to withdraw around 20,000 "politically motivated" cases, mainly against political leaders.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made this announcement in the Assembly on Thursday while taking part in a debate on the controversial UP Control of Organised Crime Bill (UPCOCA).

Adityanath sought to allay fears expressed by the Opposition that the law could be used against the BJP's political rivals.

The chief minister said that the withdrawal of cases would benefit all political leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Adityanath said that the state government would ensure that the proposed law was not "misused" and innocent people were not harassed.

Adityanath also accused the Opposition of siding with criminal elements.

The proposed Act provides for seizure and attachment of the properties earned through organised crimes and also the denial of government security to the accused under the Act.

The Opposition lodged a strong protest over the proposed law and urged the government to withdraw the Bill.

"We have strong suspicion that the proposed law would be used against political rivals," said Leader of the Opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary.

Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav also opposed the Bill and said that it was aimed at political opponents.

While the government did not face any problems in getting the Bill passed in the Assembly, it might be rejected by the Council where the ruling party does not have a majority.