All those singing paeans to Akhilesh for his progressive thinking, and for his commitment not to repeat “Goonda Raaj” of SP in UP again were woken up from their pleasant dream for UP under him by a rude shock, when immediately after becoming CM, Akhilesh inducted ill-famous Don of UP, Raghu Raj Pratap Singh allias “Raja Bhaiya” into the cabinet. More shocking was the explanation of Akhilesh to justify inclusion of Raja Bhaiya into his cabinet. He meant to suggest that Raja Bhaiya was not a criminal and he was only victim of political vendetta of Mayawati.
It is interesting to note that Raja Bhaiya has eight declared criminal cases, including attempt to murder, dacoity and abduction, against him.
During poll campaign and also after helping SP craft a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, Akhilesh had made clear his intentions to break away from the past tag of 'goonda raj' during SP's previous rule in the country's most populous state.People were made to believe that he was a man of progressive thinking and he would make SP free of criminals and rowdy elements. People were assured of his promises when he denied ticket to Bahubali DP Yadav for his alleged criminal records.
Was denial of ticket to DP Yadav for his alleged criminal records. mere a political gimmick during the polls to change perception of the people about SP, earlier known as a party dominated by people with criminal antecedents and in lieu deceive people of their votes in his party’s favour?
One may note that despite all his assurances of not repeating “Goonda raj” of previous SP Governments in UP, ground realities seem to be very different ever since SP has won elections in UP. On the day SP won the elections, its victory was marked by wild celebrations and hooliganism all across in UP. A 12-year-old child was killed by a gun shot at the victory celebration of Samajwadi Party leader in Sambhal. Samajwadi workers clashed with some TV cameramen in Jhansi breaking their equipments. Several people were injured during the clash and several journalists alleged that they were locked up inside a room near the counting centre in Jhansi.And now the induction of Bahubali, Raja Bhaiya into his cabinet?Many people look at inclusion of Raja Bhaiya an attempt to appease his powerful castemen in UP.
Has political realism taken over his earlier promise to give top priority to law and order and provide a Govt free of crime and “Goonda Raaj” in UP? Will there be a repeat of “goonda raaj” of SP in UP under Akhilesh’s leadership also? Although, it would be premature to draw any such conclusion; however initial action of Akhileh doesn’t give much confidence for future. All right thinking people, who rooted for his victory in UP shall continue to pray for his success and for helping him fulfill what he promised for a better future for people in UP.
