2437 murders in 6 months, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav admits crisis

Lucknow: Akhilesh Yadav has completed six months as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. But the initial euphoria has been replaced by a fear of the return of 'gunda raj' and the Chief Minister has himself admitted that the state's law and order is in a mess.

On March 15, 2012, when Akhilesh became UP's youngest Chief Minister, hopes were riding high.

But within hours, it was evident the 'gunda raj' of the olden days was back.

The initial euphoria after Akhilesh Yadav\'s victory in elections has been replaced by a fear of the return of the \'gunda raj\'.

Celebrating Samajwadi Party (SP) workers created ruckus, firing off guns. A three-time SP MLA was even seen mounted on a horse as his supporters turned victory demonstrations into a riot.

The crime graph of the state over the next few months show a crumbling law and order situation.

According to official records, Uttar Pradesh has seen 2437 murders in the six months that Akhilesh has been in power. There have been over 1100 cases of sexual abuse, and over 450 robberies.

That is not all. Rae Bareli, Kosi Kalan and various other towns across the state have witnessed long spells of curfew due to law and order disturbances.

The Chief Minister, however, has accused the police force of failure.

"The Police Department is in a mess. We are trying to clean it up," Akhilesh told mediapersons recently.

The Opposition, however, blames the government, saying that the rot begins at the top.

During the election campaigns, Akhilesh had pitched himself as the educated, suave new face of the SP.

But it is evident that despite the cosmetic makeover, the old guard in the Samajwadi Party still call the shots.

It looks as if his promises of a better UP are quickly turning sour.

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