Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Mar 7: Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party (SP), on Saturday sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments both at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of putting excessive financial pressure on citizens through rising prices and increasing taxes.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav said inflation would only ease when BJP leaders step down from power. He alleged that while taxes continue to rise, the government has failed to control the soaring prices of essential goods.
Referring to the increase in LPG cylinder prices, the SP chief said that once fuel prices are raised, they rarely decline. He also criticised the taxation structure on vehicles, claiming that taxes can reach as high as 50 per cent, further burdening ordinary people.
During the event, several individuals — including former DIG Ram Sharad Ram — joined the Samajwadi Party. Welcoming them, Yadav said the growing number of new members reflects the public’s increasing confidence in the party.
Yadav also targeted the state government over the law and order situation. Citing a recent incident in Kanpur, he alleged that police call records had revealed possible connections between certain officials and smugglers. He questioned why, if police call details could be accessed, similar scrutiny was not applied to those suspected of smuggling activities.
The SP leader further accused the BJP of circulating a song as part of a political campaign intended to malign the Samajwadi Party. He said the party plans to file an FIR in the matter and that the response would show whether authorities take appropriate action.
Highlighting achievements during his tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yadav pointed to several development initiatives launched by the SP government. These included construction of expressways, distribution of laptops to students, development of the Gomti Riverfront, the Dial-100 emergency response system, expansion of ambulance services, and the establishment of a Cancer Institute. He also claimed that the highest number of thermal power plants in the state were set up during the SP administration.
Raising concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission of India, Yadav alleged that efforts were being made in some areas to influence voters. He said that if SP workers had not intervened, voter names might have been removed from electoral rolls in several Assembly constituencies.
On international relations, Yadav described Russia as a long-standing partner of India and said the country should benefit from purchasing cheaper oil if available, as it could help strengthen the economy.
He also reiterated that a political alliance of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities — which he referred to as the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition — would eventually form the government in the state.