Yogi Adityanath defends UP's bulldozer action: 'We have taught people to use it in a better way'

UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the "bulldozer model" in the state is a necessity rather than an achievement, defending the controversial bulldozer actions of his government.

In a exclusive interview with PTI, when asked if he considers the "bulldozer model as an achievement", Yogi responded, "Look, this is not an achievement, this is a need here (Uttar Pradesh)."

"Even today if there is any encroachment anywhere, then bulldozer is used to clear it. So, the bulldozer can provide infrastructure as well as remove encroachment and I think we have taught people to use it in a better way."

Yogi said that some people need to be dealt with in a language they understand. He also warned that those who take the law into their own hands will face consequences within the legal framework.

Only a week ago, Yogi had come out in defence of the UP government’s bulldozer actions even as the Supreme Court had slammed demolitions carried out by the administration.

“Laws and regulations are only for those people who follow them. Those who take laws in their hands, then at times, it is needed to teach them in a language they understand,” he had told ANI in an exclusive interview.

In November last year, the Supreme Court had categorically said that citizens’ voices cannot be throttled by a threat of destroying their properties, and “bulldozer justice” is simply unacceptable under the rule of law.