BY SHAZIA SALEEM
Samajwadi Party National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has strongly criticised the BJP government over its policies concerning farmers, alleging that the government repeatedly brings laws favouring big industrialists while ignoring the interests of farmers, labourers and ordinary citizens. Yadav said that any effort made without honest intentions cannot succeed. He stressed that Indian farmers understand both agricultural practices and the policies that directly affect their livelihoods.
He expressed concern over what he described as continued attempts to justify a government that, according to him, seeks to take control of farmland, agriculture and rural resources and place them in the hands of wealthy corporate groups. Questioning the government’s approach, Yadav asked why laws are repeatedly introduced only to be withdrawn after facing strong public opposition. He alleged that the BJP government functions in the interests of big business and frames policies without adequately consulting the people who are most affected by them.
According to Yadav, the withdrawal of controversial laws is not necessarily a reflection of concern for public welfare but a response to growing public pressure. He claimed that after withdrawing such measures, the government and its supporters eventually return with similar proposals in different forms. Yadav said this cycle has continued for years, wasting the country’s energy and resources in unnecessary conflicts.
He referred to the history of land acquisition policies and the three farm laws, saying that attempts to introduce similar measures in new forms continue to face opposition. The Samajwadi Party leader also accused the BJP of being undemocratic and alleged that it listens primarily to those who stand to benefit from government policies. He said farmers and labourers, who form the foundation of the country’s economy, deserve greater respect and representation. “If the fields prosper, the country will prosper,” Yadav said, reiterating his call for policies that place farmers and ordinary citizens at the centre of governance.
