Exclusion in Uttar Pradesh: Row Over Opposition MPs Omission at Official Events

Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan raised concerns in Rajya Sabha about the systematic exclusion of Opposition MPs from official events in Uttar Pradesh, contravening guidelines. He cited multiple instances where SP members were not invited. Khan questioned if these decisions are made with the Prime Minister and Chief Minister's knowledge.

In a recent Rajya Sabha session, Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of excluding Opposition MPs from official events. This exclusion reportedly violates the Centre's guidelines mandating the invitation of elected representatives to functions related to scheme launches, Khan asserted during Zero Hour.

Khan highlighted specific cases including the inauguration of the district collectorate in Sambhal, where no Samajwadi Party legislators were invited despite their regional prominence. Similarly, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's airport inauguration in Moradabad and project launches in Prayagraj, SP members were notably absent.

Directly addressing the perceived bias, Khan recounted a personal incident involving Union Minister Veerendra Kumar, whose indifference underscored the issue. He questioned whether these exclusions were sanctioned by senior leaders or executed by overzealous bureaucrats, demanding accountability and adherence to DoPT guidelines.

(With inputs from agencies.)