SP disrupts Assembly proceedings over Fatehpur shrine vandalism. Government denies allegations and assures strict action. House adjourned amidst uproar.
Lucknow. The alleged vandalism of a Muslim shrine in Fatehpur on Tuesday stirred a commotion in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the ongoing session. The opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) severely criticized the government over the incident, alleging it was a conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony. The Leader of Opposition and other SP members protested vociferously on the matter. Conversely, the government completely dismissed the allegations, assuring stringent action against the culprits. Despite the uproar, legislative business was conducted, and the House was adjourned.
Fatehpur Shrine Vandalism and SP Allegations
The vandalism of a Muslim shrine in Fatehpur on Monday has reignited communal tensions in the state. Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey alleged in the Assembly that this was not an isolated incident but part of a recurring pattern. He stated that Muslim madrasas and shrines are often targeted to create tension in society and bolster partisan politics.
The SP also claimed that the BJP government intends to disrupt peace and harmony in the state. According to them, a party leader in Fatehpur had announced the intention to occupy the shrine, submitting a memorandum to that effect seven days prior. Subsequently, the police did not handle the matter properly, allowing some individuals to enter the shrine and vandalize it. The SP described this as a government strategy to plunge the state into communal riots.
Government Response and Assurance of Action
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna completely refuted the opposition's allegations. He clarified that the government or any of its agencies had no involvement in the incident. Khanna stated that a case has been registered at the Fatehpur Kotwali against 10 named individuals and 150 unidentified people in connection with the matter. He assured that those who take the law into their own hands will not be spared and will face strict action.
The minister said that the government's top priority is to maintain law and order and that any form of anarchy will not be tolerated. He also indicated that the opposition is trying to give the incident a political color, while the government is fully engaged in conducting an impartial investigation into the matter.
Uproar and Protest in the House
Dissatisfied with the government's response, SP members marched to the well of the Assembly and chanted slogans for over an hour. They accused the government of trying to protect the main culprits. Members raised slogans such as "Where is the bulldozer?" and "Bury the rioters in the soil," disrupting the proceedings.
Amid the commotion, the government continued its planned legislative business. Seven reports from the CAG were presented in the House, and six bills were passed. Subsequently, at 1:20 PM, SP members returned to their seats after being persuaded by the Speaker. However, they returned to the well of the House 10 minutes later and continued their protest.
House Adjourned
Due to the uproar and protests, the Speaker of the Assembly adjourned the House until the next day at 1:45 PM. The Speaker appealed for the smooth functioning of the House, but further proceedings were not possible due to the opposition's protests.
