Congress slams Maya for ‘condoning’ MLA’s crime

NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday criticised Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati for “condoning” a BSP MLA’s crime of raping a minor girl and said the Banda incident held a mirror to the kind of people surrounding the CM. “This is an example of how UP is being governed,” Congress leader Digvijay Singh told TOI.

Demanding stringent action against BSP MLA Purshottam Naresh Dwivedi, he said the rape of a 17-year-old girl and her arrest on a false charge was a true reflection of the state of affairs in Mayawati’s UP.

“The victim was falsely accused, arrested , she languished in jail without being heard and now she is being ressurised to withdraw the charge,” Singh said.

He said nothing “showcased” Mayawati’s rule better than the Banda rape case. Coming down heavily on the erring MLA, finally arrested after a media outcry, Singh said, “These are the people the BSP leadership has picked for important positions .”

The Congress leader also deplored massive spending to celebrate Mayawati’s birthday on Saturday. “The chief minister thinks that the government funds are her personal money,” he said.