LUCKNOW:  UP BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh has stated that being a political leader does not mean that one can mow down anyone by a car.

This is the first time that a BJP leader has spoken out against the Lakhimpur incident in which nine persons including four farmers were allegedly mowed down by a SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

The UP BJP chief was addressing the party workers at the inaugural session of the state executive of the party’s minority front in Lucknow on Sunday evening.

“Elections should be won on basis of one’s conduct. Politics is about serving your society, your nation. There is no caste and religion involved. Being a political leader does not mean that you loot, it does not mean that you mow down anyone by your Fortuner. We are in this party to serve the poor. Politics is not a part-time job,” Singh said in what is now being seen as a direct indictment of Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni’s son, Ashish Mishra, who is the main accused in the incident.

Swatantra Dev Singh also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their poor background and leadership.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh has summoned Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni to Lucknow.

Mishra has been asked to meet Singh by Monday evening.

Mishra has, so far, avoided meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party state president Swatantra Dev Singh, after the October 3 incident in Lakhimpur Kheri in which his son, Ashish Mishra, allegedly mowed down nine persons, including four farmers with his SUV.

According to sources, the party high command is upset with the Union minister over the incident and his refusal to express his regrets over the incident.

“The party state president wants to talk to Ajay Mishra Teni and then communicate the same to party high command,” said a BJP source. — IANS