UPCOCA passed, but Oppn stages walkout

Even as the Opposition continued its protest and staged a walk out, the Bill on Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act (UPCOCA) was passed in the UP Assembly by voice vote.

Now, it will go to the UP Council, where the Yogi Adityanath government may find it tough to rally the winning votes, as the majority is held by the Samajwadi Party.

Initiating a debate on the Bill, the CM Yogi Adityanath assured agitated opposition members that political leaders will not be targeted under the Bill, as his government has already ensured adequate check and balances.

He pointed out that investors were shying away from Uttar Pradesh due to poor law and order. "The new Act will give more powers to security forces to check organised crime and instill confidence among people," he said. The CM also claimed that there was improvement in the law and order situation under his government. "It is a 'black law' and will bring a state of emergency in UP. Provisions of the Bill will be invoked, against even journalists, if they write anything against the ruling party," said Ram Govind Chaudhary, the Leader of Opposition.

The SP, BSP and Congress members then staged a boycott when the Bill was put to voice vote and subsequently passed.