New Delhi: Rajeev Shukla, a member of the Congress Working Committee on Monday, addressing a press conference at the AICC HQs raised concerns about the treatment being meted out to Congress leaders trying to visit Lakhimpur Kheri. Having termed the BJP as the enemy of farmers, the Congress leader further slammed the UP government for having detained Priyanka Gandhi and Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda from Hargaon in Sitapur district.
Shukla even hit out at the UP administration over the manner in which Hooda was heckled while he was trying to question the UP Police as to why they were being stopped en route to the violence-hit district to visit the kin of the victims there.
Also read: SAD delegation to visit Lakhimpur Kheri, says Sukhbir
"We wanted to meet the families & be with them in this time of mourning. It is the least we could do as citizens. But as we left Lucknow, we were chased down by UP police as if we were the ones who did something wrong," said Deepender S Hooda.
Their detention is illegal: Rajeev Shukla
Addressing the media, Congress leader Shukla said that the party has come with five demands which include the release of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and allowing her to visit Lakhimpur Kheri to meet the family of victims.
"Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Deependra Hooda were stopped in Sitapur on their way to Lakhimpur Kheri. Hooda was assaulted. They have been detained illegally. This practice of preventing political leaders from free movement is very hazardous. Priyanka should be released," Shukla said.
Also read: Congress claims Priyanka Gandhi arrested en route to UP's Lakhimpur Kheri
Symbol of the arrogance of the political party that is in power: Kapil Sibal
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday demanded the setting up of a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting judge to probe the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
"As a citizen, I think there should a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge. Before that, the Union Minister must be dismissed or suspended at least during the inquiry as the incident took place with respect to his convoy," Sibal said while speaking to ANI, adding that the inquiry should not be conducted by their own people who will defend them.
Also read: Video of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sweeping a room goes viral
"This is the symbol of the arrogance of the political party that is in power. The ruling party is giving a message that they can do whatever they want and even run a car over those who are protesting. None of them has spoken and they will not speak because their intention is to send a message to the public that if you protest against us, we will run over you," Sibal further alleged, adding that the Prime Minister is elected from UP and the home minister is responsible for the state of the affairs in the country.
"See the way they have treated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda. They have the right to go there. I congratulate them for the step, but the way they are being treated shows their arrogance," Sibal added.
Also read: Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: UP govt announces Rs 45 lakh ex-gratia to kin, probe by retired HC judge
Eight people were killed in the violence that erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri. The incident happened while anti-farm law protestors gathered in the area to take out a demonstration against UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya who was scheduled to visit Lakhimpur Keri.
Protesting farmers have alleged that Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Ajay Mishra’s son allegedly ran his car over anti-farm law protestors.
