PM drags religion into poll cauldron

Fatehpur (UP), February 19

Addressing a poll rally at Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, PM Narendra Modi today accused the Akhilesh Yadav government of indulging in discrimination on the basis of religion.

Saying that there should not be any discrimination on the basis of religion and caste, Modi lambasted the SP government for its “failure” to maintain law and order in Uttar Pradesh, saying “goonda raj” prevailed there and even the Supreme Court has had to intervene to get a minister booked in an alleged rape case.

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“The SC had to intervene to get an FIR registered against Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. Goonda raj prevails all over UP and police stations have become Samajwadi Party offices,” Modi said.

With the apex court breathing down its neck, the UP Police yesterday filed an FIR against the tainted minister in connection with cases of alleged gang-rape and attempt-to-rape a woman and her minor daughter.

“The glow has disappeared from Akhilesh’s face, his voice has become feeble, he is afraid and looking for right words while talking to media,” he said, adding that the SP chief had “accepted that he has lost the game”.

“Why is the policing system so inefficient in UP? Why are complaints not registered? What work culture is it? The SP is least concerned about improving law and order situation in UP. I urge people to elect a government that will ensure safety of people,” he said. — PTI