Akhilesh Yadav Launches Scathing Attack on Uttar Pradesh Government Over Multiple Crises
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday delivered a blistering critique of the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, accusing it of pushing farmers into severe distress while failing to address rising prices and administrative shortcomings that have exacerbated public hardship.
Farmer Distress and Potato Procurement Failure
Speaking to the media after paying floral tributes to social thinker Ram Manohar Lohia at Lohia Park in Gomti Nagar on his birth anniversary, Akhilesh highlighted the plight of potato farmers. He stated that these farmers have suffered heavy losses due to extremely low market prices, with the situation becoming so dire that many chose not to harvest their crops. Instead, they used tractors to plough their fields with the standing crops still in place.
Akhilesh accused the government of reneging on its promise to procure potatoes from farmers, demanding clarity on the budget allocated for procurement and the actual amount utilized. "The government must clarify how much budget was allocated for potato procurement and how much was actually utilised," he asserted, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Questioning Investment Claims and Industrial Policies
Targeting the state's investment claims, the former Chief Minister alleged that the government was indulging in what he termed "propaganda." He demanded detailed information on several key aspects:
- How many Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have translated into actual investments on the ground.
- Under which industrial policies such investments were made.
- The amount of incentive provided to investors.
- The employment generated through these investments.
This scrutiny aims to hold the administration accountable for its economic promises and outcomes.
Rising Inflation and Shortages
Akhilesh further criticized the government over escalating inflation and critical shortages, particularly of LPG cylinders. He painted a grim picture of daily life, noting that people are once again forced to stand in queues—first during demonetisation, then for fertilisers, and now for cooking gas. "LPG has virtually gone missing. Tea stalls, street vendors, restaurants and chaat shops are shutting down," he lamented, warning that prolonged global conflicts could further aggravate the crisis.
Deteriorating Law and Order Situation
On the front of law and order, Akhilesh alleged a significant deterioration, citing recent incidents in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Mathura, and Badaun. He accused the government of shielding criminals, raising concerns about public safety and governance in the state.
Tribute to Ram Manohar Lohia and Digital Education Initiative
Earlier in the day, Akhilesh remembered Lohia's contributions to social justice, emphasizing that "Lohia's ideology focused on the rights of the poor, backward classes, women and minorities. Only socialist principles can bridge growing inequality." In a related effort to support education, he distributed laptops to students of Chaudhary Shivcharan Singh Inter College in Moradabad. This initiative aims to promote digital education and assist students in their academic pursuits, reflecting a commitment to empowering the youth through technology.
The SP leader's comprehensive critique underscores mounting challenges in Uttar Pradesh, from agricultural woes and economic mismanagement to inflation and security issues, setting the stage for heightened political discourse in the state.
