The Congress party has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the state's much-publicized use of bulldozers is influenced by considerations of caste and religion. This accusation comes in the wake of a recent incident involving the killing of a Dalit woman.
Allegations of Selective Action
In a strongly worded statement, the party's Scheduled Caste (SC) department chairperson, Rajendra Pal Gautam, claimed that the machinery of the state, symbolized by the 'bulldozer,' does not operate impartially. He asserted that under the patronage of BJP governments, actions are taken after evaluating the caste and religious background of those involved. This, he argued, is a dangerous trend that fuels social divisions.
The criticism is directed primarily at the administration of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose government has frequently employed bulldozers to demolish properties allegedly linked to criminals. The Congress has now framed this policy as being discriminatory and targeting specific communities.
Context of the Dalit Woman's Death
The political firestorm was triggered by a tragic incident where a Dalit woman was killed. While the specific details of the location and the exact circumstances of her death are not elaborated in the initial report, the Congress has connected this event to a broader pattern of alleged state-backed prejudice. The party contends that the response from authorities, or the use of punitive measures like demolitions, is not uniform and is skewed by identity politics.
Rajendra Pal Gautam emphasized that hatred is being systematically fueled using the fault lines of caste and religion, and he held the BJP governments responsible for creating an environment where such patronage can thrive. The statement was made on 12 January 2026, as reported by journalist Shemin Joy.
Political Repercussions and Accusations
This incident has quickly escalated into a major political issue, with the Congress positioning itself as a defender of Dalit rights and social justice. By invoking the imagery of the bulldozer—a potent symbol of the Yogi Adityanath government's strongman approach to law and order—the opposition party aims to challenge the BJP's narrative on governance and security.
The allegations point to a deepening political conflict over social justice and the treatment of marginalized communities in India's most populous state. The Congress's Scheduled Caste department head has placed the issue squarely within the national political discourse, accusing the ruling party of compromising constitutional values for political gains.
As of now, there has been no detailed official response from the BJP or the Uttar Pradesh government to these specific charges made by the Congress leadership. The development sets the stage for further political confrontation in the run-up to future elections.
