Remark row: Now, BJP protests, demands arrest of BSP leader

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, July 23

A large number of BJP workers across the state staged demonstrations demanding the arrest of Bahujan Samaj Party national general secretary Naseemuddin Siddiqui.

BJP workers are demanding the immediate arrest of the BSP leader for reportedly using foul language against expelled BJP vice-president Daya Shankar Singh’s minor daughter.

BJP workers clashed with the police at the Hazratganj crossing when they were prevented from moving towards the BSP office and national president Mayawati’s residence.

Similar demonstrations were held in other district headquarters where BJP workers handed over memorandum to the 

district magistrate demanding the arrest of the BSP leaders, including Mayawati.

In Lucknow, BJP state president Keshav Prasad Maurya alleged the Samajwadi Party and BSP were hand in glove as the 

FIR lodged against Naseemuddin Siddiqui was registered under less stringent sections.

Later, a delegation of the state BJP leaders met Governor Ram Naik at Raj Bhawan where they reiterated their demand for the immediate arrest of the BSP leaders.

In view of the BJP agitation, the state government increased security at the BSP state headquarters, besides residences of Mayawati and other BSP leaders.

From Dalit to ‘women’ issue

New Delhi:  BJP leaders said after Siddiqui’s comment, the issue was no longer about Dalits, but of the dignity of all women in the state. The party has launched the “beti ke samman mein, BJP maidan mein” campaign to prove its point and show solidarity with the expelled leader’s mother and wife who have alleged intimidation and threat to their lives. They have also filed an FIR against Mayawati, Siddiqui and other BSP workers. 

Siddiqui’s comment has taken the steam out of plans of Mayawati, who was raring to turn it into an issue related to Dalits’ honour and pride. Rallying behind Daya Shankar’s family, the BJP has also sent a signal to his community (the upper caste Thakurs) that the party was with them.

Questioning Mayawati’s commitment to the Dalit cause, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said she did not visit the home of any Dalit woman who was sexually assaulted under the SP government. “The cases of atrocities against women in UP are more than anywhere else. Did Mayawati visit any Dalit victim?” he said, saying over 1000 Dalits were killed when she was the CM and over 29,000 cases of atrocities against them were registered. — Vibha Sharma