Following the multiple CBI raids in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh as part of the probe in the illegal sand mining scam, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of playing vendetta politics. He warned the BJP that the ‘CBI raid culture’ the BJP has started will someday come to haunt them.
On Saturday, the CBI searched 14 locations including the premises of former IAS officers in UP and Delhi. The public servants are accused of allowing illegal mining between 2012-2016 and illegally renewing licence despite National Green Tribunal ban. The officers are accused of allowing theft of minerals, money extortion from leaseholders and drivers. Yadav, along with being the state’s chief minister, also held the mining portfolio during 2012-13. He was succeeded by Gayatri Prajapati. Gayatri Prajapati was arrested in 2017 after a Chitrakoot woman accused him of rape.
The CBI is likely to summon Yadav and former UP minister Gayatri Prajapati in the case as per reports. Amid these speculations, Yadav said that he is ready to face the probe but then people are also ready to answer the BJP. He added that the BJP is using the CBI raids to stop the SP from winning maximum seats in upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Samajwadi Party chief also accused the BJP of ending ‘political etiquette’. “The BJP wants other political parties to behave in the same manner as it behaves. But we will not change our etiquettes,” Yadav said. “If they (BJP) have the CBI, we have the gathbandhan (alliance),” Yadav added.