Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over a police encounter that took place in Sultanpur. The incident involved the killing of Mangesh Yadav, a man wanted for his involvement in a significant robbery. Gandhi expressed concerns about the increasing number of police encounters in the state, claiming they undermine the principles of justice and law enshrined in the Constitution.
During his address, Gandhi accused the BJP of using such encounters as a tool to bypass due process, with particular reference to the Sultanpur incident. He argued that the government’s actions stand in stark contrast to their public posturing of respect for the Constitution. The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Task Force, responsible for Yadav’s death, has been a key player in a series of high-profile encounters across the state, raising questions about the legality and fairness of their operations.
Criticism has also been directed toward the Modi administration for failing to address the growing concerns over the state’s approach to law enforcement. Gandhi emphasized that while BJP leaders often display reverence for the Constitution during public ceremonies, their actions tell a different story. According to him, frequent violations of constitutional rights, especially in BJP-ruled states, have eroded public trust in the system of governance.