SP leader announces ‘award’ for PM, Shah beheading

Formerspyouthwingpresident of Baghpat district, Tarun Deo Yadav, has announced “appropriate reward” for those who would “beheadprimeministernarendra Modiandbjpchiefamitshah”for creatingan“emergency-likesituation” through demonetisation and being “responsible” for the 2002 Godhra riots.

While state SP president Shivpal Yadav had dismissed all district units, including frontal organisations, earlier this month, Tarun made the announcement in a handwritten letter — dated December 7. The letterhead had his name as the Samajwadi Party Yuvjan Sabha district president.

Moreover, in a video that went viral Friday, Tarun is seen challenging both the PM and Shah to enter Baghpat and hold a rally. The video, in which he is seen reading out his letter, was reportedly shot during a youth wing meeting held at the local party office.

In the letter, released on December 7 after Shivpal had dismissed all district units, Tarun said that the common man was facing problems and labourers were not getting their wages due to the demonetisation decision. Thespyouthwingwouldburneffigies of the PM and demonstrate, he added.

Speaking to The Indian Express, he said: “Those who will behead Narendra Modi and Amit Shah will be given appropriate rewards... If you see a person as old as your grandfather waiting in a bank queue, you too will curse Modi. Don’t you agree that it is an Emergency-like situation... this government must go?”

When contacted, SP state spokesperson Mohammad Shahid said the party will initiate action against Tarun. “The party has nothing to do with such statements,” he added. Baghpat SP Ajay Shankar Rai said an FIR will be lodged against him.

Taking a dig at SP, BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said, “SP is full of such frustrated people. Now, let us see what Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav do with someone who has dared to ask for the Prime Minister’s head.”