Both parties said that the state government’s decision would demoralise police officers. BJP spokesman Hridya Narain Dixit said, “The transfer of Gonda police chief is a message from the state government to other officers to support the criminal activities of people associated with the Samajwadi Party.” The BJP will raise the matter in both Houses of legislature in the upcoming budget session, he said.
Congress spokesman Maroof Khan said the incident showed that the government was sheltering criminals. “It will only demoralise officials and make criminal elements more confident,” said Khan. He also criticised Minister of Khadi and Village Industries Raja Ram Pandey for making “indecent remark” against the Sultanpur District Magistrate. “While the nation is demanding a new law to ensure the prestige and honour for women, it is unfortunate that a minister has made indecent remarks for a female DM,” said Khan demanding that Pandey should be dismissed.