Akhilesh’s biggest challenge

Only recently the Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav was feted as the youngest chief minister UP has had. Good wishes poured in from all quarters, not just political. The young CM spoke in measured, moderate tones; he held out the promise of modernising the state; and hinted that there would no political witchhunt of the supporters of the previous government led by Mayawati. But within days of assuming office, Mr Yadav has disappointed many people by giving the impression that these pressing concerns may be beyond his ability to deal with.

The single biggest reason for this is his tolerance of goons. Most had assumed he would be free of this weakness. If crime bosses are given the run of the place once again, it is unlikely the CM can make any headway.

A disproportionately large number of ministers inducted into his government have long histories of crime, the most breathtaking case being that of Raghuraj Pratap Singh, better known as Raja Bhaiyya. Serious attacks on political opponents of the ruling party, and on dalits, have taken place. If crime persists and “goonda raj” — which many thought characterised the SP’S previous tenure — returns, an environment hospitable to industry, social cohesiveness and political stability will prove elusive. We hope the CM can rise above the constraints imposed by the core social base that brought him to office.