New Delhi: A member of Uttar Pradesh’s child rights protection body has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to submit legal documents to prove his claim of being an “adopted son of UP”, in a bizarre display of official overreach that showcases an unusual blend of mirth and incredulity.
Nahid Lari Khan, a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UPSCPCR), has written a letter to the PM stating that the commission has taken suo-motu cognisance of his statement during an election rally in which he called himself as adopted by the state.
“Lord Krishna was born in UP and made Gujarat his karmabhoomi (land of work). I was born in Gujarat and UP has adopted me... Uttar Pradesh is my mai baap. I am not the son who would betray his mai baap. You have adopted me and it is my duty to work for you,” Modi, who is originally from Gujarat but represents Varanasi in UP in Parliament, had said PM last week at an election rally.
Now Khan contends that such a statement is a blatant violation of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) of Children Act, 2015 and has in a letter demanded that Modi submit legal documents to prove his adoption or “else the commission would deem his adoption illegal”.
Her enthusiasm though wasn’t shared by others in the body.
Vijay S, secretary to Juhie Singh, chairperson of UPSCPCR, told News18 that the commission hasn't authenticated Khan’s letter.
“Such a letter to the PM cannot be sent without intimating the chairperson. In this case, Nahid did not inform the chairperson and the letter does not bear a seal from the commission. Hence, we cannot authenticate the letter and it should not be treated as one from the commission,” he said.
But Khan remains unfazed, telling News18 that as a member of the commission, she does not need any permission to send a letter.
“As per the act, I, as a member, can take cognizance of any issue which affects children and can send a letter to whoever I want. I do not need to seek permission from anyone,” she said.
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