Samajwadi Party (SP) leader ST Hasan criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh for its handling of recent violence in Bahraich. Speaking on October 22, 2024, Hasan stated that the police acted as mere spectators during the unrest.
Context of the Violence
The violence erupted on October 13 during a Durga idol immersion procession, resulting in the death of Ram Gopal Mishra. Hasan remarked on the chaotic scenes, saying,
“"Hundreds of thousands of people take out processions, flags are hoisted. Somewhere someone is carrying the flag, somewhere someone else. This was done by preparing a boy beforehand. He tried to break the flag and obviously, there was anger. He was shot. So neither was it right to take down the flag nor was it right to shoot."
He expressed disbelief at the extent of what he termed 'riot politics,' stating that it had reached a new low.
