Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Kham today said the tension in Fatherpur district on the occasion of Makar Sankranti two days ago was triggered due to "lack of tolerance" and asserted that the state government took appropriate action to bring situation under control.
He also said the tradition of "sitting near the feet of the leaders" was started by BSP, which recently canceled the ticket of its Atrauli seat candidate for the 2017 assembly polls Sangeeta Chowdhury on grounds of indiscipline after she posted a picture on Facebook in which she and her children are seen touching the feet of party supremo Mayawati.
Taking to reporters here, Khan said the tension in Fatehpur "occured due to lack of tolerance, which should be generated and enhanced. The state government has taken appropriate action (in this regard)."
On BSP cancelling the ticket of its candidate, he said, "to put on shoes and sit near the leader's feet was a tradition started by BSP itself. And, it is considered as an honor for party activists."
Asked about the issue of minority status to Aligarh Muslim University, Khan said, "The minorities are accorded justice by only a Muslim authority.
Thoughout the poll campaign, Chief Minister Akhilesh
Yadav had boasted of roads, highways and expressways in the state, but Khan was candid in his admission that it was a matter of shame for him that roads in his constituency were in such bad shape.
A nine-time MLA, Khan, won from his traditional Rampur seat defeating Shiv Bahadur Saxena (BJP) by 46,842 votes.
