Thu Nov 14 08:46:18 UTC 2024: ## Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress Leader of Ignoring Family’s Deaths at the Hands of Razakars, Sparks Political Row
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – The ongoing election campaign in Maharashtra has taken a sharp turn towards historical accusations, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the alleged actions of the Razakar militia during the integration of Hyderabad State into India.
Adityanath has repeatedly referenced the Razakars at his rallies, accusing Kharge of staying silent about his mother and sister’s deaths “in an attack by Razakars” due to fear of losing Muslim votes. He claims that Kharge, who was born in a Dalit family in present-day Karnataka, witnessed his family’s home being set ablaze by Razakars.
Kharge, in previous interviews, has spoken of the incident, describing how his family perished in the fire while he narrowly escaped.
The Razakars, a militia associated with the Nizam of Hyderabad, were known for their brutal crackdown on dissent during the period leading up to the integration of Hyderabad into India in 1948.
Adityanath’s claims have sparked outrage from Kharge’s son, Priyank, who, in a social media post, condemned the UP CM for attempting to exploit a tragic incident for political gains. He stated that while every community has individuals who commit wrong, it is not right to blame an entire community.
The Razakar issue has also been brought up by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who used the militia’s past to criticize AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
This latest controversy highlights the sensitive history of the Hyderabad State and the role of the Razakars in the lead-up to India’s independence. While the Razakars are viewed as a symbol of violence and oppression by some, others see them as a historical entity representing a specific point in time.
The use of the Razakar issue in the current election campaign has sparked debate about the use of history for political gain and whether it is appropriate to exploit past tragedies for political mileage.
First Piper 