Lucknow, December 19: Under flak for its alleged lackadaisical approach towards the lynching of a policeman in Bulandshahr, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday trained his guns at the critics, claiming that Uttar Pradesh government is being "defamed" despite handling the "Bulandshahr conspiracy" in the most efficient manner.

The saffron-robed CM said that a "conspiracy" was hatched in Bulandshahr, which the government has "clearly exposed". His remarks come days after he referred to the mob frenzy in Bulandshahr as an "accident". Ex-Bureaucrats Demand Yogi Adityanath's Resignation, Say Governance 'Perverted'.

Those questioning his government should "instead praise and thank" the administration for cracking down on the criminals, Yogi said, adding that those behind the cow slaughter have been arrested, along with those responsible for killing inspector Subodh Kumar Singh.

“The December 3 (Bulandshahr) violence is a political conspiracy (hatched) by those who have lost political ground,” he told reporters after the Assembly was adjourned for the day amid opposition ruckus.

“It was a political conspiracy which has been exposed... peace and order will be maintained at all cost... the administration and government have repulsed the designs (of conspirators) sternly," Yogi added.

Among those arrested so far in Bulandshahr case include three person for cow slaughter, and two for the murder of Inspector Singh. The key accused in the policeman's killing - Bajrang Dal district unit chief Yogesh Raj - is yet to be arrested. The Opposition has alleged that he is being shielded due to his "links" with the ruling BJP.

While Yogi claims to have handled the Bulandshahr incident in the best possible manner, ex-bureaucrats have expressed their disapproval. In an open letter, a group of 83 former bureaucrats said that "in India's most populous state, fundamental principles of governance, of constitutional ethics and of humane social conduct stand perverted".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).