Hitting out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akilesh Yadav over his remarks on Dadri lynching incident, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma today dared him to reveal the facts in the case and attacked the state government for its “intelligence failure”.
“It is their government. If it was a conspiracy and pre-mediated, it was their duty to identify in advance. And now, if they have identified them, tell it to the nation and public. Who stops them?
“It is more than 15 days (since the incident has happened). If it was a pre-planned move, they should have smelled it, their intelligence should have investigated it and prevented it. If they have come to know now, let them tell this to the people of this country,” Sharma said.
He was replying to a question on Yadav’s remarks during an interview to a TV channel alleging that the Dadri incident was pre-mediated by the BJP.
Noting that the Law and Order was a state subject, the Union Minister said that it was the responsibility of the Chief Minister to address the issue.
“He has to address the issues as the Chief Minister of the state. I think it is his responsibility to maintain law and order. Let him address all those issues,” said Sharma, who represents Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
On UP Chief Minister’s allegation that BJP tried to polarise voters, Sharma insisted that the central government was only pursuing an agenda of development and good governance.
Akhilesh Yadav has told the news channel that he did not believe that the attack by a mob on a man over rumour of beef eating was a spontaneous act.
Citing a preliminary investigation by his government, he reportedly said “facts indicate that Dadri was part of a pre-meditated strategy of the BJP and those affiliated to the party.