Frontline
April 1998
Campaign

‘My party is proud for having fought for the minorities’

Mulayam Singh Yadav
Leader, Samajwadi Party, former Union Defence Minister

I fully support the principle of payment of compensation by the state to victims of communal riots. Whenever in government, I have paid this compensation. There is absolutely no question that the minorities are experiencing fear and insecurity because the whole phenomenon of communal bias and partisan behaviour has been on a marked increase.

Much of the conduct of the local thanedar or the superintendent of police depends on the motives and orientation of the government in power. When they act in a blatantly partisan way and commit atrocities, it is often because they know that the political climate is “favorable” and they can get away with it. Therefore, I am in complete agreement that action against the civil administration —the thanedar, district magistrate — and representations of the law and order machinery must be swift and stringent.

I am happy to say that in Uttar Pradesh, while my government was in power, we gave proof of our commitment to this principle by taking swift action against officials whose conduct amounted to a dereliction of duty. And inculcated an approach and attitude in the minds of the authorities that such penal action is compulsory, mandatory.

As far as the Bill (being drafted by a committee oflegal experts) is concerned, let it come. Let us see the draft. There is no question that if it is in line with the position of the Samajwadi Party, we will support it. The Samajwadi Party is a party that is proud to have taken up issues that affect the lives and security of the minorities. We have fought for them and even suffered political ostracism or other difficulties because of our stand.


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