UP CM must be sacked for 'shielding' rape accused: Congress
New Delhi, April 14: The Congress on Saturday demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath be sacked for "utterly failing in his constitutional duties as CM" and for "safeguarding the interests of Unnao rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar".
"BJP leaders have mastered the art of extending state protection to rapists, shaming the victim and her family, defending the accused and crying conspiracy, blatant cover-ups, absolute whataboutery and superficial damage Control, and the Adityanath government has perfected this art to the hilt," Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a statement.
"'Jungle raaj' and 'gunda raaj' actively aided and abetted by Adityanath government has become a pain for the people of the state and has conclusively exposed BJP's slogan of 'Beti Bachao'," he added.
Citing a recent high court order, Surjewala said: "In a damning rebuke to the BJP's claims, the Allahabad High Court has unravelled the real truth of the Unnao rape case."
He said the high court was taken aback by the insensitive stand and callous attitude of the Advocate General, who represented the state government in court and received his brief from the highest levels.
"Naari Virodhi (anti-woman) Adityanath has not only utterly failed in his constitutional duties as the Chief Minister and abused the oath of office but also played an important protagonist in safeguarding the interests of the rape accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar," he added.
Pointing out that the BJP rule in the state had become "Ravana Rajya" for women, Dalits and farmers, the party said there was a 33 per cent increase in crime against women in Uttar Pradesh -- from 33,728 cases in 2016-17 to 44,936 in 2017-18.
"The real culprit of Unnao's victim, who was raped reportedly in June 2017, and who pleaded at the doorstep of the BJP CM even attempting self-immolation is no one but the Chief Minister and he should immediately be sacked," said Surjewala.
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Adequate LPG stock in Chhattisgarh, no need to panic, says CM Sai
Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
