In the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's monsoon session, Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey raised questions about Azam Khan and Irfan Solanki being in jail. Pandey accused the government of injustice towards poor Brahmins, extortion by the police, and a lack of investment in the education sector. He cited incidents in Itwa and Fatehpur as examples.
Uttar Pradesh: Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey bly attacked the government in the Legislative Assembly on August 14, the final day of the monsoon session. Raising the issue of Azam Khan and Irfan Solanki's imprisonment, he questioned the crimes for which they were serving sentences. Pandey also accused the police of extorting money from the poor, raised concerns about the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak - Backward, Dalit, Minority) and the lack of budget in the education sector. He described the demolition of a night shelter in Itwa and the incidents in Fatehpur as threats to social integrity.
The Issue of Azam Khan and Irfan Solanki
On August 14, 2025, the last day of the monsoon session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey leveled serious allegations against the government. He specifically raised the issue of Azam Khan and Irfan Solanki being in jail, questioning the crimes for which they were serving sentences. Pandey alleged that injustice was being done to poor Brahmins, while many criminals were roaming free without any action being taken against them.
He also stated that the government, while in power, was targeting its political rivals, raising serious questions about public safety and the justice system.
Concerns about Education and Research
Mata Prasad Pandey also expressed concern about the state's education system. He said that while the condition of primary education needed improvement, it was also necessary to increase investment in higher education, research, and innovation. Pandey demanded that the government increase budget allocation in the education sector so that students could have better opportunities and academic standards in the state could be raised.
He stated that if attention was not paid to research and higher education, the state's knowledge-driven development would be affected, and young people would face difficulties competing globally.
Allegations Regarding Police and Local Disputes
The Leader of the Opposition also raised questions about the activities of the police. He said that the police extorted money from ordinary people by instilling fear of various sections of the law. Mentioning the SP's (Samajwadi Party's) political slogan PDA, Pandey asked what problem the government had with PDA, while it brought them to power.
Citing the example of his constituency, Itwa, Pandey said that people from the poor Hindu and Muslim communities used to visit a .22-hectare piece of land there. Gradually, 4-500 people started gathering, which caught the eye of a leader of the government. He had a night shelter built, but the collector had it demolished without any investigation. Referring to the incident in Fatehpur, he said that such actions are a challenge to social unity and integrity.
