Mafias have no right to live if they interfere with right to life of the poor: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (File photo)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted on March 14 that criminals forfeit their "right to live" if they infringe upon the right to life of the poor. Speaking at an event in Ambedkar Nagar, Adityanath emphasised that criminals' "right to live will be snatched" if they impede upon others' right to live, news agency PTI reported.

The state police data reveals that more than 180 alleged criminals have been killed in police encounters during the six years of the Yogi Adityanath government. While some critics have labelled these encounters as "fake," such accusations have been consistently denied by the UP Police.

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The UP CM highlighted that prior to the BJP government in the state, criminals would encroach upon the lands of the poor and disrupt their festivals. "Can any ‘mafia’ encroach over the land of the poor today? Can anyone harass our daughters? They know that if they harass any daughter, 'Yamraj' will treat him at the next road intersection," Adityanath said.

Following the inauguration and laying of the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 2,122 crore in Ambedkar Nagar, the CM sought the opinion of the gathered crowd on the government's ongoing actions against mafias, asking for their support.

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Adityanath attributed the stringent action against criminals in the state due to the presence of a "double engine government." He stated that it was due to this combined effort of the state and central governments that criminals in UP were receiving such treatment. He characterised the "mafias" as entities nurtured and supported by previous administrations, serving as a source of income for their leaders.

The CM reiterated the stance that these "creatures" do not have the right to live if they jeopardise the lives of the poor. He emphasised that their right to live will be revoked, and they will be eliminated if they interfere with the rights of others.

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According to UP Police data cited by the news agency, between 2017 and 2023, more than 180 alleged criminals were killed in more than 10,900 police encounters in the state. Additionally, during these encounters, 23,300 alleged criminals were arrested, with 5,046 of them sustaining injuries.

In his address, the CM also directed criticism towards the Samajwadi Party, labelling it as an "anti-dalit" party. He remarked on an internal conflict within the party, characterising it as a battle between "chacha" (uncle) and "bhatija" (nephew), hinting at SP president Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle and party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav. Adityanath added that whenever any recruitment is announced, the family becomes preoccupied with "vasooli" (recovery).

Adityanath contrasted the previous governments, both at the centre before 2014 and in Uttar Pradesh before 2017, with the present administration led by Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted Modi's approach, stating that he considers all 140 crore people of the country as his family. He reiterated the commitment to serving the public, emphasising that their welfare is the government's top priority.

Further targeting the SP, the CM asserted that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was inconceivable during the previous government's tenure.