Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Ashish Singh Patel has raised serious concerns over a potential "life threat" from the state police?s Special Task Force (STF) amidst ongoing allegations of irregularities in his department. Patel, who is married to Union Minister and Apna Dal (S) national president Anupriya Patel, stated that the STF would be held responsible for any harm that may come to him during his "fight for social justice."

The controversy stems from allegations made by Pallavi Patel, an MLA from Sirathu, and a leader of Apna Dal (Kameravadi), who accused the technical education department of bypassing service rules in promotions. The Samajwadi Party leader dubbed the issue a "scam" and alleged that senior officials were favored in the promotion process, sparking protests in the state assembly.

In response, Minister Ashish Patel vehemently denied the charges, stressing that the promotion process followed proper procedures and had been reviewed at all levels, including the Chief Minister's Office. He further clarified that the Principal Secretary had convened the departmental promotion committee?s meeting, with the Chief Minister's Office being informed about the decisions.

Patel also accused his political opponents of orchestrating a ?political conspiracy? behind the allegations, questioning why only he was being singled out for scrutiny. ?If the allegations are true, why are other officials not being held accountable? Why target the minister repeatedly?? he questioned.