New Delhi : Outrightly daring farmers over deaths of their fellowmen, the Union Deputy Home Minister, Ajay Kumar Mishra, turned his back on wide demand for resignation. Ajay Mishra headed to Delhi where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah claiming neither he nor his son were at the crime site in Lakhimpur. That was soon countered by police FIR that in its preliminary findings said Mishra’s son Ashish was present inside the killer car and fled after shooting at the farmers after the crash-in killings. Critics inside BJP themselves blame Ajay Kumar for his inflammatory speech that they say instigated the violence. Despite the contradictions, BJP has elected to go along with Ajay Kumar’s version at face value.
There is growing resentment among a BJP faction over delaying action action against Ajay Kumar Mishra. The leadership is hesitant to do away with Mishra fearing that the ouster might adversely impact caste politics in upcoming Assembly elections.
Although twenty persons have been charged in the Sunday massacre, the police have not arrested anyone so far. Footages are out of Mishra making dire threats to farmers during his visit to Lakhimpur on 25th of September.
Nationwide Protests
Farmers are raising strong protest against lack of action despite evidences in the case. The Samyukta Kissan Sabha will hold meeting on Thursday to decide on future course of protests. Opposition parties have come out with solid backing for the farmers’ protests. Punjab Chief Minister Chanjit Singh Channi, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bupesh Baghel and Rahul Gandhi visited Lakhimpur. Priyanka who was restrained at Sitapur guest house under preventive detention earlier also joined the touring team.
Supreme Court Registers Suo Moto Cognizance
The Supreme Court took suo moto case on Lakhimpur violence following widespread protest demanding investigation against the Union Deputy minister and his son. The case will be heard tomorrow by Bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramanna.
