The Uttar Pradesh government has withdrawn a contentious directive targeting the Yadav and Muslim communities for alleged illegal encroachments on village lands, following widespread condemnation from political leaders, rights activists, and civil society groups.
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, had ordered District Magistrates across the state to specifically act against these two communities — a move widely criticised as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Dated July 29, 2025, the letter was based on a petition from BJP farmer leader Vivek Kumar Srivastava. It instructed all District Magistrates to act against “illegal occupation by a particular caste (Yadav) and religion (Muslim)” on village assets such as ponds, playgrounds, compost pits, and panchayat buildings across 57,691 Gram Panchayats in the state.
Surendra Nath Singh, Joint Director of the Panchayati Raj Department, issued the directive. In Ballia, District Panchayati Raj Officer Avneesh Kumar Srivastava went a step further by asking Block Development Officers to launch a campaign to clear encroachments allegedly by the mentioned communities.
The move drew immediate outrage, with critics labeling it “casteist,” “communal,” and in direct violation of constitutional principles. Opponents argued that it breaches Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on religion or caste.
Reacting to the public outcry, the government swiftly retracted the circular and suspended Joint Director S.N. Singh. However, many felt the action was inadequate.
“This is not only unconstitutional but also deeply casteist and communal,” Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad said. “This violates the Employee Conduct Service Rules and represents administrative misconduct. FIRs should be filed, and the officials responsible must be dismissed.”
Samajwadi Party leader Yasar Shah questioned the selective targeting, saying, “Clearing illegal encroachments is fine, but why only Yadavs and Muslims?” SP’s I.P. Singh echoed similar concerns, stating, “The BJP wants to abolish the Constitution. Yogi Adityanath’s government is its laboratory.”
Singh further demanded a CBI investigation, calling the suspension of a junior officer an inadequate response. “Who received Srivastava’s letter? Who approved it in the Chief Minister’s Office and the Panchayati Raj Department? The real culprits must be held accountable,” he said.
He also criticised Om Prakash Rajbhar, the Minister for Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare, for remaining silent. “Where is the voice of the minister who claims to represent backward classes and minorities?” he asked.
I.P. Singh warned that such actions would have consequences. “This unconstitutional act will not be forgotten. When the government changes in 2027, those responsible will face legal consequences.”