People want a change in Uttar Pradesh: Ram Shankar Katheria

Lucknow: Union Minister Ram Shankar Katheria on Friday hit out at BSP and SP, alleging that the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh was "very bad" and the people wanted a change in the state.

"People have now become aware of the way in which Mayawati has become 'thekedar' (holder) of Dalit voters in the state and used to sell them. The Dalit voters have become aware...," Katheria told reporters here.

"The situation in the state is very bad. Incidents of murder, loot, rapes are on the rise. It has raised a question mark on UP government...People of the state want a change," he said attacking the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP government.

Referring to the Agra incident where he allegedly made an inflammatory speech, Katheria said, "A Dalit, Arun Mahaur, was shot dead there. Earlier, university official Satendra Jatav was murdered. Mayawati kept mum on both the cases and did not mention them in Rajya Sabha."

Asked what the Centre was doing for security of Dalits, Katheria said, "We have written in this regard to the Union Home Ministry and it was taking necessary action. A letter has also been written to Akhilesh Yadav."

On Mayawati's statement that she would have sent him to jail had she been in power, Katheria said, "Only future can tell, who will send whom to jail."

Katheria, who is Minister of State for HRD and represents Agra Lok Sabha constituency, had allegedly made a controversial speech at a condolence meeting held in Agra for VHP leader Arun Mahaur, who was killed by some youths from another community last week.

Samajwadi Party has demanded that Katheria be sacked, alleging that his remarks were "anti-national", while Congress alleged it showed that BJP and RSS resorted to divisive agenda, especially ahead of elections.