The Congress on Thursday (October 1, 2026) attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh over the State’s law and order situation, alleging that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had created a “one district, one mafia” model, with criminals enjoying political protection.
The party said that Dalits and the vulnerable sections of society bore the brunt of what it called a nexus between criminals and those in power.
All India Congress Committee in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Pal Gautam, said the State witnesses nine murders, 10 attempts to murder, nine rapes, 33 kidnappings and around 235 violent crimes every day.
Mr. Gautam referred to recent observations by the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court on the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh police and said they reflected the “anarchy prevailing under BJP rule” in the State.
Congress leader Abhay Dubey alleged that the Adityanath government had provided such protection to criminals that they have begun “harassing the public openly”.
“Crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape are at their peak in Uttar Pradesh. The State records the highest number of acid attacks on daughters,” he said.
Mr. Dubey alleged that the Chief Minister had established a “one district, one mafia” model and that criminals belonging to a particular caste were being shielded. “Today, the people of Uttar Pradesh are asking Yogi Adityanath: how long will this reign of terror continue?” he said.
Congress Lok Sabha member Imran Masood alleged that “only hatred is being spread” in the State.
“The talk here is not about uniting, but only about dividing,” he said. Referring to a remark attributed to Mr. Adityanath, Mr. Masood said that when the Chief Minister himself spoke of “showing people the other world”, what could be expected from others. “This is arrogance, and people need to understand it,” he said.
New U.P. Congress chief
On the ongoing speculation about a change in the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. Gautam said the decision rested with the party’s central leadership. “This is a matter for the leadership. It does not fall within my ambit,” he said when asked about the possibility of replacing the current State Congress president Ajay Rai.
Mr. Gautam said the appointment of district Congress presidents was in its final stage, with verification under way. The views of the State president, AICC observers and secretaries had been obtained, he said, adding that the list would be released within the next two to three days.
Published – October 01, 2026 10:11 pm IST
