Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that rising inflation, corruption, and economic mismanagement had plunged the state's “double-engine government” into a deep crisis.
Akhilesh Yadav's allegations on inflation and farmer issues
Speaking to reporters in Mainpuri, the former chief minister claimed that prices of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas continued to soar, while farmers struggled to obtain fertilizers. He also highlighted the problem of stray cattle in rural areas and accused the government of creating an electricity crisis in the state.
Criticism of smart electricity meters and smart city promises
The SP chief criticized the implementation of smart electricity meters, alleging that they led to inflated power bills and triggered widespread public resentment. He further claimed that promises of developing smart cities had not been fulfilled, leaving citizens disillusioned.
“The Indian economy has weakened under BJP rule. As the dollar becomes more expensive, the cost of essential commodities will continue to rise,” he said, accusing the BJP of pursuing policies that are “harming the country’s economy.”
Allegations of misuse of state machinery and erosion of political decorum
Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of misleading the public, misusing state machinery against political opponents, and registering false cases to tarnish their image. He alleged that BJP leaders frequently used objectionable and unparliamentary language, eroding political decorum. “The Samajwadi Party has always exercised restraint in its language and political conduct. We have never crossed limits in opposing our rivals, but the BJP has damaged the dignity of democratic discourse,” he said.
Support for Hindu religious leaders and women's reservation
Akhilesh expressed support for Hindu religious leaders, alleging that respected Shankaracharyas were insulted and neglected under the BJP government. Claiming that the BJP was reluctant to provide adequate representation to women, he demanded the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill by 2027. He said after coming to power, a Samajwadi Party government would ensure greater participation of PDA communities and women in governance and public institutions.
Alleged injustice against ordinary citizens and opposition
The SP chief accused the BJP of injustice against ordinary citizens and the opposition. He alleged that members of PDA communities had been targeted in fake police encounters, though he did not provide specific examples. Referring to the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, former CM Akhilesh Yadav claimed the incident reflected the scale of corruption under the BJP government. “Corruption and loot have reached their peak. No sector has remained untouched by corruption,” he said.
