Samajwadi Party Vows Aggressive Opposition in UP Budget Session
The Samajwadi Party declared on Sunday its intention to vigorously challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party government during the forthcoming Budget session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The opposition party plans to spotlight critical issues including rampant inflation, pervasive corruption, rising unemployment, concerns over women's safety, and a deteriorating law-and-order situation across the state.
Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Collapse of Governance
Addressing a press conference following a meeting of SP legislators at the party's state headquarters in Lucknow, SP national president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav asserted that the state's law and order framework has completely disintegrated under the current BJP administration. He accused the ruling party of deep involvement in illicit activities, specifically pointing to the codeine syrup trade, and alleged that criminals are escaping from jails with the assistance of senior officials.
"Criminals are being facilitated to flee because the government anticipates its tenure is ending. Everyone is preoccupied with securing their own futures. We have reports that not only are prisoners escaping, but they are being escorted directly to Nepal," Yadav stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Economic Burdens and Public Discontent
The SP leader further criticized the BJP government for significantly increasing real estate valuation rates, which he claimed has exacerbated the financial strain on the public. Yadav argued that years of what he termed "misgovernance" have eroded public trust, and he predicted that the upcoming budget would be the government's final one, offering no respite to ordinary citizens.
"Neither farmers nor the youth are priorities for this government. If it genuinely cared for the populace, inflation would not have escalated to such alarming levels. The soaring cost of gold has made it difficult for impoverished families to arrange marriages for their daughters. Prices have risen so drastically that people might soon resort to wearing brass-plated iron instead of gold," he remarked, highlighting the economic hardships faced by residents.
Concerns Over Proposed Trade Agreement with US
In addition to domestic issues, Yadav condemned the proposed trade agreement with the United States, describing it as "not a deal but a concession" that would adversely affect agriculture, farmers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. He questioned the feasibility of Indian producers competing with American goods under the current terms.
"Why impose zero tariffs on imports while levying 18% on our exports? The BJP has effectively surrendered the market to foreign interests," he alleged, warning that the agreement could lead to a surge in imported edible oil and animal feed, thereby harming domestic producers.
The Samajwadi Party's stance sets the stage for a contentious Budget session, with the opposition poised to hold the government accountable on multiple fronts, from economic policies to security concerns, as political tensions escalate in Uttar Pradesh.
