Centre to intervene on UP governor's report: Kalraj

He added that the centre would not intervene on its own

Describing the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh as "very grave" where women were not safe even in their homes, union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra Monday said the central government would step in if UP Governor B L Joshi sends a report on the situation in the state.

Talking to reporters here, the micro, small and medium enterprises minister made it clear that the centre will not intervene on its own but would certainly consider "appropriate action" if the governor sent a report.

Mishra's statement was in response to the growing demands within the BJP and by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) that the Centre intervene following the brutal gang rape and murder of two sisters in a Badaun village last week.

He also blasted the state government for not being able to provide security to women in the state. He alleged that the government was soft on criminals.

When asked to comment on union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti's statement that the Samajwadi Party government in the state would fall within a year, Mishra said the question should be put to Bharti.