Adityanath has created ‘one district, one mafia’ model in Uttar Pradesh, says Congress
New Delhi, October 1, 2026 — The Congress on Thursday intensified its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh, alleging a deterioration in law and order under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and accusing his administration of fostering a “one district, one mafia” model in which criminals enjoy political protection. Party leaders said Dalits and other vulnerable communities were bearing the brunt of what they described as a nexus between criminals and those in power.
Congress flags state of law and order
All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Pal Gautam, said the State was witnessing a “sharp surge” in serious crimes. Citing daily crime figures, he claimed Uttar Pradesh records “nine murders, 10 attempts to murder, nine rapes, 33 kidnappings and around 235 violent crimes every day.”
Mr. Gautam linked these figures to what he termed systemic failures in policing and governance, and pointed to recent judicial comments to underscore his argument. Referring to observations made by the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court on the functioning of the State police, he said they reflected the “anarchy prevailing under BJP rule” in Uttar Pradesh.
Key allegations from party leaders
Congress leader Abhay Dubey alleged that the Adityanath government had “provided such protection to criminals that they have begun harassing the public openly.” He asserted that “crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape are at their peak in Uttar Pradesh,” and said the State “records the highest number of acid attacks on daughters.”
Mr. Dubey argued that the Chief Minister had effectively established a “one district, one mafia” model and alleged that criminals belonging to a particular caste were being shielded. “Today, the people of Uttar Pradesh are asking Yogi Adityanath: how long will this reign of terror continue?” he said.
Imran Masood, a Congress Lok Sabha member, accused the State administration of deepening social divisions. “Only hatred is being spread,” he said, adding, “The talk here is not about uniting, but only about dividing.” Referring to a remark attributed to Mr. Adityanath, Mr. Masood said that when the Chief Minister himself spoke of “showing people the other world,” what could be expected from others. “This is arrogance, and people need to understand it,” he said.
Courts’ observations cited
While Congress leaders did not elaborate on specific cases, they framed recent observations by the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court about policing in Uttar Pradesh as an institutional acknowledgement of governance failures. Mr. Gautam said the remarks captured the scale of disorder the party believes has taken hold in the State during the BJP’s tenure.
Internal party developments in Uttar Pradesh
Amid the political offensive against the State government, the Congress also addressed questions about its own organisational changes in Uttar Pradesh. On speculation regarding a change in the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. Gautam said the matter rested with the party’s central leadership. “This is a matter for the leadership. It does not fall within my ambit,” he said, when asked about the possibility of replacing the current State Congress president Ajay Rai.
Mr. Gautam added that the appointment of district Congress presidents was in its final stage, with verification under way. The views of the State president, AICC observers and secretaries had been obtained, he said, adding that the final list would be released within the next two to three days.
Significance
The Congress’s remarks amount to one of its strongest recent attacks on the Adityanath government, combining allegations of a breakdown in law and order with claims of institutional complicity and targeted protection for criminals. By invoking judicial observations and citing daily crime figures, the party sought to raise the political stakes for the BJP in India’s most populous State while signalling an imminent reorganisation of its own State unit. The Uttar Pradesh government had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
