BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Samajwadi Party National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments at both the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that their policies have pushed farmers into unprecedented hardship while neglecting the education sector. Addressing public concerns, Mr. Yadav asserted that the BJP’s “double-engine government” has consistently failed to fulfil its promises to farmers and has adopted policies that are detrimental to their welfare.
Mr. Yadav remarked that the BJP’s much-publicized promise of doubling farmers’ income has remained unfulfilled and now exists only in “old newspaper archives.” According to him, farmers are struggling to recover even the basic cost of cultivation, while rising inflation has significantly increased agricultural expenses. He stated that the cost of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and other farming inputs continues to rise, placing an unbearable financial burden on cultivators across the state.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by the farming community, the Samajwadi Party leader said that farmers are unable to obtain fertilizers, quality seeds, and pesticides on time, and alleged that the government has failed to provide meaningful assistance during critical agricultural seasons. Referring to the reported suicide of a farmer, Padam Singh, in Fatehabad, Agra, who was allegedly distressed by debt, Mr. Yadav claimed that such incidents reflect the worsening condition of farmers under the present administration. He added that despite numerous assurances made by the Chief Minister, farmers continue to face economic uncertainty and despair.
Rejecting the government’s explanation that global disruptions affected fertilizer imports, Mr. Yadav described the argument as an excuse, maintaining that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure adequate fertilizer stocks before the sowing season begins. He contrasted the present administration with the previous Samajwadi Party government, claiming that timely arrangements for fertilizers and seeds were ensured during its tenure. According to him, administrative inefficiency and a lack of foresight have intensified farmers’ problems.
The former Chief Minister further alleged that adulteration in seeds and pesticides has become widespread and accused the BJP government of favouring middlemen and large corporate interests over the farming community. He argued that farmers are not receiving fair prices for their produce, while intermediaries allegedly earn substantial profits under official protection. Mr. Yadav also reiterated concerns regarding the absence of legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP), claiming that private agents purchase crops at unfairly low prices, leaving farmers economically vulnerable.
Turning to broader political criticism, Mr. Yadav claimed that the BJP has lost the confidence of both farmers and the general public. He asserted that growing dissatisfaction among rural communities would be reflected in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, expressing confidence that voters would reject what he described as anti-farmer policies and pave the way for prosperity in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Yadav also criticized the BJP’s approach towards education, alleging that the ruling party views education through a communal lens while neglecting the interests of students, teachers, educational institutions, and employment opportunities for young people. He accused the government of jeopardizing the future of students and youth by failing to prioritize quality education and job creation.
The Samajwadi Party chief questioned the government over what he described as alleged inaction against unregistered organizations associated with its supporters. He asked when authorities would take action against unauthorized buildings and institutions allegedly linked to such groups, raising questions about the government’s commitment to enforcing legal and administrative standards equally.
