Lucknow: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presided over a massive appointment ceremony in Lucknow, distributing recruitment letters to 60,244 new constables joining the Uttar Pradesh Police. Speaking at the Defence Expo Ground in Vrindavan Yojana, Shah applauded Chief Minister for leading what he described as a transparent and inclusive hiring process.
“Not a single rupee was taken as a bribe, and no one had to depend on caste, slips, or recommendations,” Shah declared, crediting the CM with reforming police recruitment practices. He also noted that over 12,000 of the recruits were women, stating that the state ensured full compliance with reservation norms.
Describing Uttar Pradesh Police as the largest force in the country, Shah positioned the induction of new personnel as a milestone for both the state and the nation. But while the event marked a logistical feat, critics point to deeper concerns about the effectiveness, impartiality, and public trust in UP’s police system, issues that the recruitment drive alone may not address.
While praising the state as "riot-free" and rid of "Goonda Raj," Shah's remarks sidestepped ongoing allegations of selective policing and misuse of force, particularly against marginalised communities and minorities. Despite high praise, human rights reports and civil society groups continue to flag custodial deaths, slow justice in communal violence cases, and lack of redress for victims of police overreach.
Amid cheers and slogans, Shah’s speech blended administrative messaging with ideological positioning. While the recruitment event was officially non-political, the subtext clearly aligned with BJP’s broader 2024 electoral narrative, positioning itself as the guardian of order, development, and tradition.
Notably, Shah said India would be free of Naxalism by March 2026 and lauded the Indian Air Force’s anti-terror operations.
He instructed the recruits to serve with “security, service, and sensitivity".
The ceremony was attended by CM Adityanath, deputy chief ministers, senior officials, and over 60,000 recruits from all districts many of whom, observers say, now carry the dual burden of maintaining peace while navigating a politically charged law enforcement climate.
