Bengaluru: Dalit leader and Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani rubbished Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s claim regarding good governance in his state and urged Karnataka voters not to vote for BJP.
While campaigning for BJP in the state, the UP Chief Minister had boasted that after he took over the state administration has improved.
Citing the example of the death of 60 children in a Gorakhpur hospital, due to lack of oxygen cylinders, the Vadagam MLA said, "Karnataka does not need Modi and Yogi's model of development. If you want rule of law do not vote for BJP in the coming election."
The Dalit leader also pointed out to the deaths of 28 Muslims and Dalits in the name of gau raksha (cow protection) in UP.
"The youths don't have jobs. I want the Prime Minister to speak for four minutes on his achievements. We want Basavanna's culture," Mevani added.
Dr Kafeel Khan, who was jailed following the death of children in BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur and currently out on bail, recounted the horrific eight months behind the bars and pointed out that the poor administration of the hospital led to the deaths.
Dr Khan told Deccan Chronicle, "The employees have not been paid the salary for three months and there has not been any appointment of doctors in the college. Over 25,000 babies have died in the past 25 years in Gorakhpur due to encephalitis. Mr Aditynath has been the MP for the past 30 years."
On being asked about the rape allegations against him, which was circulated on the social media after his arrest, Dr Khan said, "This charge was levelled against me by one of the rivals of my brother. The case was closed. This was in no way related to the death of children. I was sent to jail and baseless charges were made against me; this was only a cover-up."
Dr Khan noted that Karnataka has always fared well in terms of healthcare, while that of UP was in a sorry state. Dr Khan’s brother Adeel narrated to Deccan Chronicle the ordeal his family had to undergo after his brother’s arrest.
"Police used to harass us. Over 25-30 policemen used to surround our house, which instilled fear among our neighbours. The police used to claim they have orders from higher authorities, while the truth is that those indirect orders were from Mr Adityanath," Adeel added.
Human rights activist Nadeem Khan apprised the gathering about the alleged recent illegal encounters in Uttar Pradesh. He alldeged that the UP policemen were working at the behest of BJP leaders.
"A systematic attempt has been made to target tribals and minorities in UP. Those who are charged with theft are shot in their legs and never taken to hospitals. Most victims die due to resulting infections. Police tell petty criminals to strike a deal with BJP or else they would be shot," Nadeem claimed.
