UP Government withdraws order targeting Yadav, Muslim communities after public outcry
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has withdrawn a controversial directive that had instructed officials to act against members of the Yadav caste and Muslim community for allegedly encroaching on village lands. The directive sparked widespread criticism and was called discriminatory and unconstitutional by many political leaders and rights groups, reported Maktoob Media.
The directive was issued by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj on July 29, 2025, based on a petition by BJP farmer leader Vivek Kumar Srivastava. In the letter sent to all District Magistrates, officials were asked to identify and remove "illegal occupations" on village lands by people belonging to the Yadav community and Muslim religion. The areas included Gram Sabha land, ponds, playgrounds, compost pits, cremation grounds, and other public spaces in over 57,691 villages across the state.
A copy of Srivastava’s letter to the Chief Minister, dated July 6, was also attached with the directive. Following this, in Ballia district, the Panchayati Raj Officer issued a follow-up letter to Block Development Officers, instructing them to take action against the mentioned communities.
The move faced strong backlash from political parties and civil society. Critics argued that naming specific caste and religious groups in an official government order violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on religion or caste.
Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad called the order unconstitutional and said it went against civil service conduct rules. He demanded that the officers involved be removed from service and that an FIR be filed against them.
Samajwadi Party leaders also condemned the directive. Yasar Shah questioned why only two communities were targeted, while I.P. Singh alleged that the order reflected the BJP’s intent to sideline the Constitution. Singh also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to determine how such an order was approved and who was involved at higher levels of government. He criticized the suspension of just one officer, calling it an attempt to shield senior officials.
After the public and political backlash, the directive was withdrawn. S.N. Singh, the Joint Director who signed the original order, was suspended. However, opposition leaders said this was not enough and called for further accountability, warning that any officer involved could face legal consequences in the future.
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Kumaraswamy accuses Cong govt of 'neglecting' farmers in Karnataka
Mysuru (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of "neglecting" the farmers in the state and being involved in corruption.
The JD(S) leader took part in an event where President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 1066th Jayanthi celebrations of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji at Malavalli in Mandya district, which comes under his Lok Sabha constituency.
"I saw a report that 2,800 farmers have died by suicide after this government came to power (in state). The government seems to be not concerned about the farmers. This government on coming to power said that it will give Rs 24,000 crore as loan to 32 lakh farmers for their farming activities, but till November, about Rs 12,000 crore has been paid to 24 lakh farmers, limiting to what was there earlier by managing the books of account," Kumaraswamy said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "These things show the failures of this government. Also, there is a corrupt system. I will not speak about it now. After December 20, I will speak to you in detail. There are a lot of issues to share with you."
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Responding to a question, the JD(S) leader, who turned 66 today, said there is no use of giving any documents. "I'm waiting for the right time."
Regarding the Congress government introducing a bill against "hate speech" in the Assembly, Kumaswamy said it is aimed at silencing the opposition in the state, but they won't be successful.
"What do Congress leaders have to say about their workers' comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi?. He cited slogans -- 'Modi teri kabr khudegi, aaj nahi to kal khudegi' (Modi's grave will be dug.. if not today, then tomorrow) -- allegedly raised against Modi at a Congress rally in Delhi on Sunday.
