UP Panchayati Raj Department's controversial order generates political heat

Lucknow, Aug. 5 -- The political temperatures in Uttar Pradesh have soared over an order letter from the state Panchayati Raj Department regarding the Yadav and Muslim community.

Though reportedly the concerned officer has been suspended by the minister but opposition leaders are up in arms against the state government. Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar have criticized the government and have questioned the intention of the BJP government.

The controversy emerged after the Panchayati Raj Director on Monday issued an order to all the District Magistrates of the state, in which it was asked to free the land of Gram Sabha, ponds, compost pits, barns, playgrounds, cremation ground...