The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly is poised to commence on a highly confrontational note this Friday. The principal opposition, the Samajwadi Party (SP), along with its ally the Congress, is preparing to aggressively challenge the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on multiple fronts, setting the stage for a heated political battle.
Voter List Revision Sparks Major Political Row
The immediate flashpoint is the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the electoral rolls. SP national president Akhilesh Yadav has recently leveled serious allegations against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to delete votes, particularly in regions of Uttar Pradesh where the party faced defeats in previous elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
In a sharp rebuttal, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath refuted these claims. He stated that a majority of the expected voters, whose names were missing from the lists, were actually supporters of the BJP. The CM has, in fact, directed BJP functionaries to intensify efforts to include all eligible names while also ensuring the removal of unauthorized voters from the rolls. A senior SP functionary, however, told media that the party plans to highlight in the Assembly how the SIR exercise is being used as a tool to harass citizens and divert public attention from pressing governance issues.
Opposition to Raise Law & Order and Unemployment
Beyond the voter list controversy, the Samajwadi Party has signaled its intent to launch a broadside against the government on the state of law and order. Party sources indicate they will raise the issue of an alleged "complete breakdown of law and order" in Uttar Pradesh. "Crime has become rampant, and the government has failed to ensure safety and justice for ordinary people," a senior SP functionary asserted.
Adding to the list of grievances, unemployment will be another critical issue on the opposition's agenda. SP national spokesperson Abdul Hafiz Gandhi emphasized that joblessness remains a grave concern. "Instead of providing jobs, the government is resorting to lathicharge and repression against youth who are peacefully demanding employment. This injustice against the youth of Uttar Pradesh will be forcefully raised in the Assembly," Gandhi stated.
Focus on Dalit Issues and Demand for Accountability
The opposition's strategy also includes highlighting the plight of Dalit communities in the state. SP sources claim that atrocities against Dalits are continuously increasing under the current BJP government. "Despite constitutional safeguards, Dalits are facing violence, discrimination, and denial of justice. The Samajwadi Party will demand accountability and concrete action from the government," an SP functionary said.
As legislators gather in Lucknow for the session, the political atmosphere is charged. The opposition's multi-pronged attack on the government's handling of electoral integrity, public safety, employment, and social justice promises to make this winter session one of the most contentious in recent memory. All eyes will be on the treasury and opposition benches as the debate unfolds on the floor of the House.
