BJP Accuses Opposition of Shielding Criminals in Uttar Pradesh

The BJP has alleged that the rise in political influence of Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav has emboldened criminals in Uttar Pradesh. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Samajwadi Party of protecting criminals and criticized the INDIA bloc for defending each other's criminal elements. He also called for an immediate transfer of a Kolkata rape and murder case to the CBI.

The BJP claimed on Tuesday that the recent increase in political clout of 'do ladke'—a term pointed at Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav—has led to a rise in criminal activities in Uttar Pradesh.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Samajwadi Party of providing sanctuary to criminals. He targeted the Yadav-led party over the arrest of two individuals allegedly connected to it on charges of rape and attempted rape.

Trivedi asserted that not only is the SP giving 'cover fire' to criminals, but also members of the INDIA bloc are defending criminal elements of their partners. He specifically pointed to the growing audacity of criminals since these 'two boys' gained strength, an apparent reference to Gandhi and Yadav.

The BJP leader also critiqued West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the delay in transferring a local rape and murder case to the CBI, questioning if the delay is meant to manipulate the case.

He further questioned the silence of opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over these incidents, claiming the INDIA bloc is covering up for 'mutual criminal elements' in their alliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)