Main political parties disturbing communal harmony ahead of 2014 polls: Akhilesh Yadav

Charging that some main political parties are trying to "dangerously" disturb the communal harmony in Uttar Pradesh ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday warned such forces of stringent action. He also demanded that the Centre put in place a mechanism to check misuse of social media and mobile phones to fan communal tension.

"At present, it seems that some of the main political parties are trying to dangerously harm the communal harmony of the state in view of 2014 general elections. Efforts are on (by them) to polarise people of the state," Yadav said during a meeting of National Integration Council (NIC).

He said small incidents like vehicle accidents, eve teasing, which can be sorted out at local or panchayat level, are being converted into big problems by vested interests.

Talking about the violence in Muzaffarnagar, he said strict action will be taken against those found to be involved in it. As per the 2011 census, Uttar Pradesh has a population of about 20 crore and Muslim community forms 18.5% of it.

"One out of five individuals in UP is a Muslim who has been living peacefully in the state known for its 'ganga-jamuni' tehzeeb (people of all faith living together)", he said.

"But from the past decades, efforts are being made to disturb communal harmony which has resulted in riots," Yadav said. He termed the demolition of Babri masjid some years ago as a pre-conceived conspiracy by vested interest in order to harm communal harmony.

"Demolition of Babri masjid demolition is a black chapter in the history of country and state's communal harmony," the Chief Minister said, adding his top priority is to ensure peace and harmony in Uttar Pradesh.