Panel report on Saharanpur riots is 'politically motivated', says BJP

New Delhi: An Uttar Pradesh probe committee’s report on Sunday questioning BJP’s role in the Saharanpur communal violence has evoked an outpouring of political reactions, but the BJP has rubbished the allegation as “politically motivated”.

“We do not know the veracity of this committee and its report. But the unfortunate incidents in Saharanpur could have been prevented if the administration and the state government had not shown a lackadaisical attitude,” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra told the media.

The five-member committee, constituted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, was headed by Uttar Pradesh’s Public Works Department Minister Shivpal Yadav. The committee, in its report, blamed BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal for inciting communal tension. BJP leaders also said that it was report of “a political party”.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the report findings were in contrast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address in which he said that communalism will not be tolerated.

“On the one hand, the prime minister says from the Red Fort that communalism will not be tolerated and, on the other hand, we have reports about their leader’s involvement (in communal violence). Modi should talk to his party workers in strong terms over this,” Alvi told the media.

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati said: “Our stand on the matter is that BJP and (ruling) SP (Samajwadi Party) are both responsible for communal tensions across the state.” Violence erupted in Kutubsher area of Saharanpur on 26 July  when members of two communities clashed, leaving three dead.

IANS