Is SP's Delegation to Bareilly Just a Political Drama?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political Drama: The SP's delegation to Bareilly is seen as a strategic move amidst rising tensions.
- Government Stance: The UP administration claims to maintain law and order.
- Community Impact: The events highlight ongoing community relations issues in the region.
- Election Implications: The political fallout may influence the 2027 Assembly elections.
- Critique of SP: Maurya's comments reflect the ruling party's stance on opposition tactics.
New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya unleashed a fierce critique of the Samajwadi Party on Saturday following a failed attempt by a group of its MPs and leaders to reach Bareilly amidst the ongoing uproar surrounding the 'I Love Muhammad' slogan.
In a pointed response, Maurya stated on X: “The decision to send a delegation to Bareilly is nothing but a theatrical display and a foolish maneuver by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The SP is infamous for its unscrupulous tactics in Muslim appeasement. Their inevitable decline in the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections is a foregone conclusion. We are proud of our achievements in maintaining a riot-free UP, ensuring good governance, and upholding law and order—an identity the SP supporters find hard to accept.”
These remarks were made just hours after a team of Samajwadi Party leaders, including MPs Iqra Hasan, Mohibbullah Nadvi, and Ziaur Rahman Barq, departed from the residence of senior leader Harendra Singh Malik heading towards Bareilly. The delegation was directed by Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey to engage with those affected by the recent police actions in the area.
However, the leaders were obstructed by police amid a heavy presence close to Bareilly.
SP MLA Ataur Rehman, part of the contingent, remarked: “We intended to visit Bareilly on the instructions of Mata Prasad Pandey to meet with the victims to ensure they receive justice. Yet, police from multiple stations were deployed to halt our progress.”
Mata Prasad Pandey further emphasized, “All the officials there were appointed by me as SPs. Meeting them is crucial to better understand the situation. We must address the concerns of the people directly.”
This visit was orchestrated in the wake of a controversy in Bareilly, where police allegedly detained youths over pro-Islamic slogans, sparking political and community discord. The SP has accused the Yogi Adityanath-led government of oppressive tactics and discrimination against minorities.
Meanwhile, the administration insists that law and order are being maintained and that any form of communal strife will not be tolerated.