Akhilesh targets BJP govt over crimes against Dalits, says UP tops list
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday targeted the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the rising number of crimes against Dalits, citing the latest NCRB data.
Sharing a graphic on X, Yadav pointed out that Uttar Pradesh topped the list in crimes against Dalits with 15,130 cases, followed by Rajasthan (8,449) and Madhya Pradesh (8,232). The chart was captioned: "Daliton pe apradh mein UP No. 1(UP no. 1 in crimes against Dalits)".
Yadav, citing data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2023, alleged that it exposed the government's claims of ensuring safety for all communities, and said the figures reflect a "grim reality" of law and order in the state.
"BJP government's work should not just be seen as biased, the pain and tears it has caused should also be noted. In UP, Dalit oppression is at its peak," Yadav said in the post in Hindi.
"There should also be a TV show on this statistic; a hoarding highlighting this truth should also be put up, a detailed report on this should also be broadcast and published as news," he said.
"An SIT should also be formed to investigate this; a chapter on this should also be added to the curriculum. An inquiry commission should also be set up for this. A special unit should also be created for the elimination of Dalit oppression. A white paper should also be issued on this black crime," he demanded.
The former UP chief minister also asked the BJP government to hold a roadshow "to raise awareness about this problem".
"A 'five thousand year old' event should also be organised to awaken consciousness, framing this historical oppression as the 'panch sahassrabdi' (five millennia)," Yadav added.
Referring to the NCRB data, UP police on Wednesday said there was better crime control in the state when compared to national average.
Despite Uttar Pradesh having the highest population in the country, the crime rate in the state in 2023 stood at 181.3, much below the national crime rate of 270.3, it said in a statement.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna attributed the decline in crimes to the strict implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against criminals of the Yogi Adityanath government.
"The improvement is a direct result of continuous efforts and systematic reforms, including the use of data-based macro and micro strategies, data analytics, and the strategic deployment of Police Response Vehicles," the DGP said.
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No unannounced load shedding in Kerala, outages due to overload, says Minister
Palakkad (PTI): Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Saturday said there was no unannounced load shedding in the state, attributing recent power interruptions to temporary overload caused by high consumption.
Clarifying concerns raised from various parts of the state, the minister said the disruptions are not deliberate but occur when demand peaks, particularly between 10 pm and 11 pm.
"It is not being done intentionally. Power consumption has risen sharply, and when there is excessive and indiscriminate usage, the system experiences overload, leading to natural supply interruptions," he told reporters here.
His remarks come amid complaints that several areas have been witnessing frequent power cuts, often lasting around 15 minutes and occurring multiple times during the night.
Krishnankutty said the state's power demand has crossed 6,195 MW, putting pressure on the supply system. He added that around 70 per cent of Kerala's electricity is procured from outside, and existing power banking arrangements have been exhausted.
"We have approached the Regulatory Commission seeking permission to purchase more power. However, this will come at a higher cost," he said.
The minister said the government is trying to avoid increasing electricity tariffs and urged consumers to exercise restraint in usage to help manage the situation.
Responding to opposition criticism over the ruling LDF's earlier claims of a decade without power cuts, he said the current situation is not unique to Kerala.
A power crisis is emerging across the country, he said, and sarcastically asked the Opposition to take note of the role of natural factors in this.
Krishnankutty expressed confidence that the situation would improve within two days, while cautioning that long-term energy security would depend on enhancing in-state power generation.
He also warned that future generations could face serious challenges if adequate electricity production capacity is not developed within Kerala.
