Rajnath Singh anguished over 'total anarchy' in UP

Putting the Samajwadi Party government on the dock over "poor" law and order in Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said there was "total anarchy" in the state and rape incidents have increased.

"In UP there is an atmosphere of total anarchy. Rape cases have increased by 161% in the present regime. The state lagged in all the fronts and has become 'Prashn' (question) Pradesh from Uttar (answer) Pradesh," he told the concluding session of BJP state executive meet here.

"In past 13 years, SP and BSP ruled and both of them looted the state. The burning question now is how long people of the state will be trapped between these two parties. In the coming assembly elections, BJP will form majority government," the senior BJP leader said.

Singh voiced concern over "so much anarchy" in the state, where "corruption has become institutional" and "rapes are committed on highways".

"The victims of calamities are not getting relief, youths are not getting employment. Why SP government does not fulfil its duties. People have these questions in their mind," he said.

Noting that in a federal structure Union and state governments have to work together, Singh said, "UP is creating hurdles in implementation of Centre's developmental projects."

Praising the work of Centre, he said, "It was easy to form government but difficult to run it. The work of Narendra Modi government is praised by all and in next 7-8 years India will become developed country instead of remaining developing country."

Welcoming those joining BJP, he said, "No one is untouchable for the party and those joining it are welcome."

BJP UP Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya claimed his party would rid the state of both SP and BSP.

Assembly election the state are due early next year and opposition parties have made law and order a major poll issue alleging that cases of rape, loot and murder were mounting, a charge the ruling Samajwadi Party says has been blown out of proportion for gaining electoral mileage.