No democracy but dictatorship in UP, says Rahul Gandhi before leaving for Lakhimpur Kheri

Stepping up attack on BJP over Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which four farmers were allegedly mowed down by Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son, former Congress party president Rahul Gandhi said there is no democracy but dictatorship in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference – an hour before heading to Lakhimpur Kheri – with Chhattisgarh CM, Bhupesh Baghel and Punjab CM, Charanjit Singh Channi on his side Rahul on Wednesday said, “I want to go to Lakhimpur to understand the ground reality. No one knows the real picture. We will try to create pressure on the government”.

“Earlier, there was democracy in the country. Today it is a dictatorship. The government is insulting the farmers. The opposition leaders are barred from entering Lakhimpur. This is what happens in a dictatorship. We are trying to tell the government to let the country run with a democratic process. It is a safety valve,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.

When reminded of Section 144 imposed in the area, Rahul said, “Only three people are going. Section 144 is applicable only if five people go together. We have informed them about it.”

Attacking PM Modi who visited Lucknow on Tuesday, Rahul pointed out, “Other parties are being allowed. We are being stopped. I will try to go to Lakhimpur Kheri. The prime minister was in Lucknow, but he did not visit Lakhimpur Kheri”.

Saying that in a democracy, role of the opposition is to question the government and put pressure on the ruling party, Rahul added, “Our work as an opposition party is to build pressure to force government to act. If we didn't do this, nothing would have happened in Hathras too”.

Attacking BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and in the Centre, Rahul said those who commit crime, those who are accused in rape cases are allowed to roam free.

“No action is being taken against the criminal son of Minister Ajay Mishra.”

Earlier it was decided that Rahul Gandhi will lead a delegation of five Congress leaders to Lakhimpur Kheri on Wednesday. A letter seeking permission from the Yogi government was written by KC Venugopal, General Secretary (organisation).

In response to Venugopal’s letter, the Yogi government denied permission and said, “Section 144 of CrPC implemented in the state capital Lucknow with immediate effect. Section 144 will remain in force in the capital till November 8 to maintain law and order and ensure adherence to COVID-19 rules in view of upcoming festivals, various entrance exams and farmers’ protests.”