Yogi Government seeks fresh report on exodus of Hindus
What's the story
UP CM Yogi Adityanath's government has directed the DGP headquarters to furnish a fresh report on the exodus of Hindus in the state due to communal tensions before BJP came to power.
Interestingly, Yogi government's move comes at a time when the crucial Kairana Lok Sabha bypoll is imminent.
BJP said that this was one of their steps to "control crime" in UP.
Here's more.
Background
Yogi's government has demanded this information earlier as well
Yogi had earlier sought this information in June'17. However, fresh directives were issued to the DGP and all divisional commissioners last month, after the details compiled were found to be insufficient.
The fresh directives request detailed information on those who migrated before February 28, 2017 and the reasons for the same within a week.
Notably, Yogi's government was sworn in on March 19, 2017.
Timing
Why is the timing of the letter tricky?
Incidentally, two years ago, late BJP MP Hukum Singh had released a list of over 300 Hindu families who were forced to migrate from Kairana due to threats/extortion by fringe outfits and lack of security.
BJP had made the "Kairana exodus" one of the key issues before the Assembly polls last year.
So, is Yogi raking this issue due to the upcoming Kairana bypoll?
Opposition
How did the Opposition react?
SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said it's a "move to divert attention. Girls are unsafe in the present regime. Today, one girl had alleged rape by one of the leaders of the ruling party, but they are more concerned about an exodus that happened before their government came to power."
Both BSP and Congress said they would react only after looking at the order.
BJP
What is BJP's justification?
BJP, on its part, refuted the charges of communal politics. Instead, they insisted, "Exodus has been a real issue. BJP has raised it in the past and seriously wants to address it."
But, why was data of possible exodus during Yogi's rule not sought? BJP clarified, "Exodus has not taken place during our government, which works on the Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas agenda."