Political Exploitation: Maurya Criticizes Congress Over Attempt to Gherao UP Assembly

Lucknow, Dec 18 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya, on Wednesday criticized the ongoing attempt by the Congress party to gherao the UP Assembly, accusing the Opposition of internal strife and political exploitation.

Maurya asserted that both the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are in turmoil, engaged in a power struggle for recognition following the recent political changes within the state.

His remarks were in response to the Congress-led demonstration against the UP Assembly, where party leaders had declared plans to encircle the legislative building.

He stated, "Both the Congress and SP are in disarray. Even regarding the Sambhal incident, the two parties appear to be split into factions, each accusing the other of not contributing enough to their alleged achievements."

The Deputy CM further mocked the alliance between Congress and SP, emphasizing the discord between them.

"The SP claims that their success in the last Lok Sabha elections was due to their efforts, while the Congress makes the same claim. Both parties want to highlight their significance. However, the reality is that Uttar Pradesh is heading towards a Congress-free future, and the Samajwadi Party is on the brink of extinction. In 2027, just as in 2017, the BJP will govern with a substantial majority," Maurya declared, dismissing the Opposition’s protests as 'empty' and lacking direction.

Maurya also criticized the leadership within both parties, asserting that neither the Congress nor the SP possess a definitive leader or coherent policy, and their protests are merely futile attempts to maintain their relevance in the political arena of Uttar Pradesh.

These comments come at a time when SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq has approached the Allahabad High Court to seek a withdrawal of the FIR filed against him in relation to the Sambhal incident, claiming he was not present during the unrest.

In reply, the Deputy Chief Minister stated, "Anyone can approach the court. However, the facts are evident – if SP leaders and their supporters, including MPs and MLAs, are proven guilty in the Sambhal case, stringent actions will be enforced against them based on the investigation."

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police have established barricades, enhancing security outside the UP Assembly as the Congress announced a gherao of the House in response to the Sambhal violence, unemployment in the state, and corruption issues.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed outside the Congress office in Lucknow.