Samajwadi Party Leader Criticizes UP Government over 'Love Jihad' Amendment

SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government for amending the 'Love Jihad' law, stating it is political maneuvering. The bill proposes life imprisonment for offences under the law. UP Assembly session also saw new ministers introduced and opposition leadership welcomed.

Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand lashed out at the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government for amending the existing 'Love Jihad' law, accusing the BJP of engaging in negative politics. Chand, in a self-made video, argued that the BJP focuses on diversionary tactics rather than addressing issues like unemployment and paper leaks.

The new amendment, known as the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill, proposes life imprisonment for 'love jihad'. The bill aims to double the existing punishments for specific offences. Simultaneously, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced four new Cabinet Ministers - OP Rajbhar, Anil Kumar, Dara Singh Chauhan, and Sunil Sharma - during the Assembly session on Monday.

Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana welcomed Samajwadi Party stalwart Mata Prasad Pandey as the newly appointed Leader of the Opposition. Pandey highlighted pressing issues such as floods, law and order, and corruption. In response, Speaker Mahana assured that all these concerns would be thoroughly discussed in the Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)