SC panel chief P L Punia slams Narendra Modi in trip to strife-torn village

NOIDA: This was a visit to a strife-torn village, meant to comfort its frightened residents. But the theme became political as National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman P L Punia launched an attack on BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi on Tuesday during a trip to Kanavni, the Noida village vandalized by Gujjars last week.

After touring the village, talking to residents and visiting a school razed by the Gujjars, Punia turned on Modi while talking to the media. Punia, who is also contesting the Lok Sabha election from Barabanki in UP as a Congress candidate, condemned Modi for not criticizing Baba Ramadev for his comments against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and dalits.

He also denounced the BJP leader's claims of development in Gujarat, saying dalits were facing brutality in the state and the police did not register their complaints. Ridiculing Modi's desire to become a 'chaiwala' if he did not become PM, Punia said there was no need for the BJP leader to resort to posturing and that he should remain the CM of Gujarat.

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration, meanwhile, said it had taken note of Punia arriving in the village in an official car with a flickering red beacon - a violation of the model code, which is in force till the poll results are declared on May 16.

"We have recorded the entire visit from the time we received a call from Punia's personal secretary informing about the visit to his departure, DM, A V Rajamouli said. "We will forward a CD of the visit along with our report to the EC, which includes the red beacon on the official vehicle and the speech against Modi. We will seek the EC's directions on the course of action that needs to be taken against the official, who is also contesting polls," the DM added.

During his visit, Punia met several residents of Kanavni, including Rajbiri, wife of Bhagatram, a Jatav who has been arrested as one of the accused in the murder of 22-year old Rahul Kasana, which occurred on the day the community clashed with the Gujjars over a land dispute.

Punia also reprimanded district officials and police for a lackadaisical probe. Punia directed the district administration to intensify confidence-building talks between both groups to keep peace and to make efforts to get the Jatavs, who have fled from the village, to return. "Those responsible will be dealt with as per law after we have the reports of the probe, said Punia. "If negligence is found to have occurred on the part of any official, strict and appropriate action will be taken, he added.