Bounty announced by Akhilesh Yadav for revealing identity of the journalist who had disclosed his act of vandalism

After the debacle in the Uttar Pradesh state elections former Chief Minister and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav had managed to shock the entire nation with his spiteful nature. The SP leader had purposefully torn down his government allotted bungalow prior to vacating it following a government order. The entire nation was shocked by how brazenly Akhilesh Yadav had ordered his supporters to rip all adornments and fittings off the government bungalow. His credibility is now going to suffer another setback following the recent statements he has issued to cover up his past misdoings. Talking to a crowd Akhilesh Yadav yesterday put a bounty on the head of the journalist who had shot the video of the government bungalow which had gone viral. Instead of issuing an apology for the vandalism committed at his behest, the former UP CM went on to accuse the journalist who had captured the ripped off building on video. Akhilesh also went on to add how he had all the permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued from the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) for constructions done in the bungalow premises.

Akhilesh probably forgot that the probe ordered against him was for vandalizing the property after he was ordered to vacate. Illegal or legal constructions are a different matter altogether but the way in which he had damaged the bungalow was enough to show how much respect he had for the state’s taxpayers. In fact the probe being conducted in this regard was initiated by the UP Governor Ram Naik who had urged CM Yogi to take action against those who were at fault.

Akhilesh Yadav spoke to the media yesterday in an attempt to cover up his misdeeds but then went on to offer a bounty on the head of the journalist who had shown the world the condition of his former residence. An ex-CM of the largest state of India is issuing a threat out in the open on the life of a private citizen while his supporters clap and cheer him on. This is exactly what is wrong with the politics today, Yadav should have been asked what he intended to do with the journalists once their identities were revealed to him. The silence of the mainstream media on this statement issued is even more saddening. Just because Akhilesh Yadav maintains an anti-BJP stance and is apparently a stakeholder in the joint coalition for the centre does not absolve him of his sins committed in both words and actions.

Akhilesh’s comments are shameful and should be retracted at the earliest as it could threaten the life of a private citizen. The UP government and the court should take self-cognizance of the statements issued by the former CM and should penalise him in whatever capacity they can. Akhilesh Yadav and his style of socialism will threaten the basic structure of India in the long run, violence is his automated response to any query put forth. It is surprising how the mainstream media has chosen not to highlight this issue, but somebody must take the initiative and call out a bully for behaving like one.