New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) The Congress Monday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for its "lack of seriousness" in dealing with the recent incidents of rape and said Chief Minister Mayawati will cease to have the "moral authority" to continue in office if stern action is not taken against the culprits soon.

 
 "The state government and the chief minister are not showing even an iota of seriousness," Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said at a media briefing at the party headquarters here. "There is total lack of seriousness," she added.
 
 She quoted media reports as saying there had been six incidents of rape in the state in the past two days.
 
 "The chief minister should ensure that action is taken and speedy justice is delivered in the cases," Natarajan demanded. She pointed out that many of the victims were from the disadvantaged sections.
 
 "Otherwise, she will cease to have the moral authority to continue in office," Natarajan added.