Days after the Supreme Court suggested implementing nationwide guidelines for the demolition of property by governments, A.K. Sharma, the power minister of Uttar Pradesh and a former bureaucrat closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defended the continued use of bulldozers in the state.
On September 5, Sharma affirmed that the practice would persist, underscoring its role in combating criminal activities and corruption, akin to efforts at the national level, The Wire reported.
Sharma, addressing journalists in Siddharthnagar, described the bulldozer as a crucial tool in the state government's campaign against organized crime and illegal land grabs. He emphasized that the bulldozer's use was justified and would remain in place, targeting those involved in criminal and mafia activities through established legal procedures.
The minister also highlighted the practice's continuation as a means to counteract what he described as the unchecked growth of criminal elements during the tenure of the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) administration.
The support for bulldozer demolitions from Sharma aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s broader strategy since he assumed office in 2017.
Adityanath has consistently promoted the use of bulldozers to dismantle properties associated with political adversaries and suspected criminals. This stance has extended to both opponents and ordinary citizens, with several political figures and public representatives falling under the bulldozer’s reach.
Adityanath, in a recent address in Lucknow, asserted the significance of bulldozers in his administration’s fight against crime and corruption and indirectly responded to criticism from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Yadav had previously suggested redirecting bulldozers to Gorakhpur, Adityanath’s constituency, should the SP win the 2027 elections. The Chief Minister retorted that the effective use of bulldozers requires exceptional determination and capability, implying that his political adversaries lacked these qualities.
Yadav’s comments on the bulldozer issue reflect a broader critique of Adityanath's policies. He has frequently challenged the legitimacy of using bulldozers for demolitions, asserting that such measures are politically motivated and violate legal norms. Yadav’s responses have included threats to counteract the BJP’s bulldozer strategy with a similar approach if the SP returns to power.
The Supreme Court questioned the legality of demolishing properties solely based on accusations, underscoring that such actions must adhere to due process as outlined by law. Justice B.R. Gavai, in particular, criticized the practice, emphasizing that demolitions cannot occur without proper legal procedures, even if the individuals in question are convicted.