Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday, accusing it of promoting negative politics, weakening institutions, and failing to address unemployment, inflation, crime, and repeated paper leaks. He unveiled an economic roadmap centered on traders, micro, small and medium enterprises, and tourism at the party's Vision India Conclave in Lucknow.
Akhilesh accuses BJP of suppressing dissent
Akhilesh alleged that the BJP had spent thousands of crores to malign opposition leaders and suppress dissent. If facts are reported honestly, FIRs are filed and people are implicated in false cases, he said. He claimed that public education and healthcare systems had weakened under the BJP government, alleging a decline in the number of government primary schools in Agra and the closure or dysfunction of several health centers. The government is promoting private institutions while neglecting public infrastructure, he added.
Law and order concerns raised
Targeting law and order, Akhilesh alleged a rise in atrocities against Dalits and crimes against women, citing National Crime Records Bureau data. He also accused the government of allowing repeated paper leaks, saying youths were being denied fair employment opportunities.
Focus on small businesses
Earlier, addressing the Vision India Conclave themed Why Small Businesses Are Being Ruined, the former chief minister said small traders and entrepreneurs formed the backbone of Uttar Pradesh's economy but were being pushed into distress. Nearly six crore people are connected to small businesses. Instead of supporting them, the present government has weakened them, he said.
Past achievements highlighted
Highlighting past achievements, he said projects such as the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and metro initiatives had improved connectivity in western Uttar Pradesh.
Future plans unveiled
Outlining future plans, Akhilesh promised an information technology city in Agra, a Yamuna riverfront, better tourism infrastructure, and an international convention centre. He also proposed a dedicated MSME policy, a Leather Development Board in Agra, a Glass Research Centre in Firozabad, subsidised electricity, and easier access to loans.
Welfare measures for artisans
He announced welfare measures for artisans, including accident insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh and the formation of a Craftsmen Welfare and Income Commission.
INDIA bloc unity
Reiterating the Samajwadi Party's PDA outreach strategy, he expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc would contest elections unitedly and defeat the BJP. The BJP is nervous because it has no answers to people's real issues, he said.
