It is Mulayam’s first visit since communal violence rocked the township

 

The Smajwadi supremo Mulayam Singh has at last decided to wipe the tears of Muzaffarnagar victims of communal violence that visited the western Uttar Pradesh’s prosperous town a couple of months ago. The occasion bears political significance as his visit coincides with the polls: With just four days before Muzaffarnagar goes to polls. 

 

He will visit the riot-hit area, seven month after the communal violence. This would be the first visit of the SP supremo since the riots broke out in September 2013. In this communal conflagration, worst since independence, over 40 persons were killed and more than 40,000 displaced.

 

The state government’s role in containing violence as well as its insensitivity towards riot victims drew trenchant criticism. Over and above the Akhilesh administration’s so called ‘tourism-driven’ Safai Mahotsav’ where 20 crores had been spent reflect their apathy towards the plight of the victims living in relief camps which even lack the basic facilities. 

 

The people in the camps were dying of cold and hunger and the UP government had sent its 20 MLAs led by Azam Khan on a government-sponsored international study tour. The MLAs travelled to Turkey, Greece, UK, UAE and the Netherlands.

A belligerent SP leader even called the refugees at the Muzaffarnagar riots relief camps professional beggars.The Supreme Court had earlier castigated the state government for carelessness and laxity in handling the riots.Mulayam Singh Yadav – or Mullah Mulayam Singh Yadav popularly known here – is contesting elections from Mainpuri and Azamgarh.