Congress accuses Uttar Pradesh government of shielding criminals

India’s Congress party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of allowing criminals to operate with political protection, describing the alleged arrangement as a “one district, one mafia” model. The allegations were made on Thursday by Congress leaders, including Rajendra Pal Gautam, the All India Congress Committee’s in-charge for Uttar Pradesh. Gautam said the State recorded nine murders, 10 attempted murders, nine rapes, 33 kidnappings and about 235 violent crimes every day.

He referred to recent observations by the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court concerning the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh police. Congress presented those observations as evidence of what it called anarchy under the BJP government. Congress leader Abhay Dubey alleged that the government had protected criminals to such an extent that they were harassing members of the public openly.

He said murder, robbery and rape were at their peak in the State, and alleged that criminals from a particular caste were being shielded. Imran Masood, a Congress member of the Lok Sabha, accused the government of promoting hatred and division. He also referred to a remark attributed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying it reflected arrogance.

The party’s statements were allegations, and the supplied report did not include a response from the Uttar Pradesh government or the BJP to the claims. It also did not provide independent verification of the crime figures cited by Congress. Gautam separately addressed speculation about a possible change in the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee leadership.

He said the decision rested with the party’s central leadership and was outside his authority. He added that the appointment of district Congress presidents was nearing completion. The list, after verification and consultation with party officials, was expected to be released within two to three days, according to the report.