Prime minister Manmohan Singh may claim to have a cosy relation with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati. But, for her part, the Dalit leader spares no opportunity to confront the Congress. She has done precisely that by refusing permission for the party’s proposed public rally at Bhatta Parsaul village of Greater Noida (Gautambudh Nagar district) on July 9.
Four people, including two farmers, were killed during violence and police firing in this village on May 7.
The farmers were agitating for better rates for their land acquired by the state government. The Congress obviously wants to rake up the issue to put the Mayawati government in the dock. Several top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Digvijay Singh, were expected to address the rally.
However, the Mayawati government has refused permission saying the rally could create a law and order situation. The state administration has advised the Congress to hold its rally elsewhere in an urban area but not at any rural venue, ostensibly to thwart the Congress’ plans to cash in on the farmers’ issue.
