Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Singh Gangwar on Monday faced criticism after a video went viral showing vehicles allegedly belonging to his fleet passing through the core area of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
Opposition parties and activists raised concerns about the breach of forest regulations demanding resignation of the Minister.
“For the BJP Ministers flouting the rules is a matter of pride, as the party does not believe in the rule of law and the Constitution. In the video it is visible that a convoy of vehicles, blowing the horn and turning on the lights in the core area of the reserve which is illegal,” said Shahnawaz Alam, national secretary, Congress.
“We demand the Chief Minister to dismiss Mr. Gangwar for openly violating the Forest Act in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. I had written to CM for action and also to the Forest Department for registering criminal case under forest laws,” said Amitabh Thakur, an activist and founder of Azad Adhikar Sena.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) said the incident highlights unlawful VVIP privilege enjoyed by the Ministers under the BJP rule, which is shameful for U.P. “Such an incident is shameful for the State. The unlawful VVIP act is condemnable and taking moral responsibility, the Minister must resign,” said Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’, SP spokesperson.
In the viral video recorded on December 7, a fleet of five vehicles, including a police escort, allegedly belonging to the Minister, is seen passing through the core forest area of the Reserve. “We will investigate the details and those responsible will face action,” said Forest and Environment Minister Arun Kumar Saxena.
Published – December 10, 2024 12:59 am IST
