UP Ministers Criticize Rahul Gandhi's Visits to Hathras and Sambhal as Politically Motivated

Lucknow, Dec 12 (NationPress) After Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's visit to the family of the Hathras gang-rape victim and the relatives of those who perished in the Sambhal violence, Uttar Pradesh's Cabinet ministers have accused him of following a political agenda to provoke society and mislead the public.

On Thursday, LoP Gandhi met with the family of the Dalit girl who was gang-raped by four upper caste men in Hathras in 2020. The victim ultimately succumbed to her injuries in a hospital in Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi spent approximately half an hour with the victim's family but departed without addressing the media.

This visit by LoP Gandhi occurred a day after he and his sister, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, engaged with the families of the victims of the November 24 Sambhal violence.

In comments to IANS, Cabinet Minister Danish Azad Ansari criticized Rahul Gandhi's visit, asserting it was politically driven.

"Rahul Gandhi's visit to Hathras is like spreading poison -- a political agenda to provoke society and mislead the people. Our government is committed to addressing the Hathras case. If Rahul Gandhi supports democracy, why is he obstructing the parliamentary session? The Congress party aims to hinder the country's and society's progress," Ansari claimed.

Regarding the Sambhal violence that resulted in five fatalities, Ansari noted, "Currently, the situation is calm, and all communities are upholding harmony. The Opposition's discourse, aimed at enhancing their political image, is inappropriate."

Cabinet Minister Anil Kumar questioned the appropriateness of the timing for the Congress MP's Hathras visit, stating, "The incident occurred years ago. Now, post the 2024 elections, he suddenly remembers Hathras. Those responsible have already been imprisoned."

Kumar also reflected on Rahul Gandhi's emphasis on the Sambhal incident, stating, "A Judicial Commission has been established, and actions will be taken based on its findings. What is the necessity to politicize this issue?"

UP's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak resonated with these views, accusing LoP Gandhi of attempting to "incite riots" and "plunge Uttar Pradesh into chaos."

"Rahul Gandhi Ji, you are misled and filled with despair. The CBI has concluded its investigation into the Hathras case, and the case is progressing in court according to legal protocols," Pathak asserted.

"While he speaks of progress, his actions -- whether visiting Hathras, Sambhal, or Aligarh -- appear aimless and misguided," he added.

The Hathras case, which captured national attention, involved the gang-rape and murder of a Dalit girl on September 14, 2020. She succumbed to her injuries on September 29, 2020.

Following a CBI investigation, the four accused were charged. On March 2, 2023, a Special Court under the SC/ST Act convicted one accused, Sandeep, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000, while acquitting the other three accused.

The victim's family, dissatisfied with the verdict, has appealed the decision in the High Court. They continue to demand government housing and jobs outside their village -- a request that remains unfulfilled by the UP government.