Did Mayawati Call on ECI to Address Gopal Khemka's Murder?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mayawati condemns Gopal Khemka's murder.
- Calls for ECI action ahead of elections.
- Highlights issues of violence and lawlessness in Bihar.
- BSP's electoral strategy focuses on Bahujan interests.
- Urges measures to ensure fair elections.
Lucknow, July 7 (NationPress) The president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Mayawati, has vehemently denounced the assassination of Gopal Khemka, a well-known industrialist from Bihar, describing it as a stark indicator of the declining law and order in the state.
She has requested that the Election Commission of India (ECI) take swift notice of this incident and take necessary action ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
In a statement on X on Monday, Mayawati expressed, “In Bihar, the issues of atrocities, murders, and caste-driven exploitation—particularly against Dalits, backward classes, the impoverished, and women—have persisted for too long. However, the recent shocking murder of Gopal Khemka in Patna, amidst escalating violent occurrences leading up to the elections, has further tainted the political climate and highlighted the deteriorating law and order in the state.”
She emphasized that timely intervention by the Election Commission could facilitate a peaceful and impartial electoral process.
“During the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list, the rise in such incidents poses serious inquiries. Who is orchestrating this violence, and for what personal gain? The coalition government of the state is already under scrutiny, with political tensions rising,” she noted.
Mayawati also reaffirmed her party’s stance and election strategy in Bihar.
“The BSP stands for the rights of the Bahujans—particularly the Dalits, backward classes, the marginalized, the needy, and laborers. We are contesting the Bihar Assembly elections independently, relying solely on the backing of our members and supporters—in terms of body, mind, and resources.”
She urged the ECI to safeguard the elections from governmental misuse, as well as from the influences of muscle and monetary power, along with criminal elements.
“Timely and strict measures must be implemented to guarantee free and fair elections,” she asserted.
The industrialist and BJP member, Gopal Khemka, was recently shot dead in the area surrounding Gandhi Maidan police station in Patna. This incident has escalated into a high-profile case, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate, with assistance from Patna Police, Bihar STF, and technical teams.