Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has launched a strong attack on the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, decrying a complete breakdown of law and order and blaming those in power for patronising criminals and extremist elements.

The former chief minister said hooliganism, violence and anarchy have reached alarming levels across the state, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the people. He said criminals were roaming freely under political protection, while the police and administrative machinery appeared paralysed.

“From ordinary citizens to tourists, no one is safe in Uttar Pradesh,” Akhilesh Yadav said, adding that continuous incidents of violence and lawlessness were tarnishing the state’s image at national and international levels.

He said that goons, mafia groups and anti-social elements had been given a free hand under BJP rule, allowing them to overpower law enforcement agencies. He pointed out that in some areas weapons were being distributed openly, while in others tourists were assaulted and women and girls harassed.

The SP chief said such incidents clearly exposed the hollowness of the BJP government’s claims of maintaining law and order. “Uttar Pradesh has lost its claim of being a safe state,” he remarked, asserting that the authority of the police had been severely undermined.

Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the silence of the chief minister and the state government. He said the government’s inaction had emboldened anarchic forces and pushed the state towards chaos.

Expressing grave concern over the situation, he questioned when and against whom action would be taken. “Who will act against those spreading violent ideologies, distributing weapons and threatening the country’s unity and social harmony?” he asked, warning that continued inaction would have serious consequences for society.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)