Sanjay Nishad counters Akhilesh Yadav over STF actions

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad has responded to allegations made by Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav regarding the actions of the Special Task Force (STF). Nishad asserted that the government's primary duty is to maintain law and order and that criminals do not belong to any specific caste.

Nishad criticized the opposition, suggesting they reflect on their own past governance, specifically citing the Gorakhpur rail movement. He argued that while the STF was formed under previous administrations, current enforcement is more independent and successful in securing convictions, whereas criminals previously received protection.

Addressing claims of discrimination against certain social groups, Nishad cited data from the Social Justice Committee, stating that out of approximately 2.8 million government jobs, 1.4 million are held by OBCs and 750,000 by SCs. He maintained that the current administration is more responsive to the grievances of weaker sections. Additionally, he defended the Election Commission's voter list updates as an independent process rather than a government initiative.