Businessmen paying ''Goonda' Tax' in Mayawati's Uttar Pradesh: Rajnath

Targeting the Mayawati government, former BJP president Rajnath Singh today alleged the law and order in Uttar Pradesh had deteriorated with businessmen being forced to pay "Goonda Tax".
      
"There are complaints from businessmen in different parts of the state that they are being forced to pay Goonda Tax," he told reporters.
      
This was indicative of the worsening law and order in the state, the BJP leader said after the inaugural ceremony of 'Sachin Ramesh Sarv Dharm Dwar' gate here.
      
On Mayawati government's decision to set up a force to guard parks and memorials for dalit icons after failing to get governor's nod for a bill and an ordinance in this regard, he said he did know much about the issue and had read it only in newspapers.
      
The BJP veteran alleged the law to punish perpetrators of atrocities against dalits was being misused in the state.     

"The state government is misusing the law and sending people to jail," he said.
      
Singh demanded enhancement of the support price for wheat from Rs1,100 to Rs1,500.
      
On Women's Reservation Bill, he said it was brought in Parliament only due to pressure from the BJP.