BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Lucknow witnessed a politically charged day on May 19 as Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the BJP government over inflation, unemployment, corruption and examination paper leaks, while also reaching out to students, party workers and the public through a series of meetings and social events across the city. From attacking the government over rising fuel prices and the NEET controversy to assuring support for UPPSC aspirants demanding reforms, the Samajwadi Party chief remained at the centre of political activity throughout the day.
He later joined Bada Mangal celebrations at multiple locations in Lucknow, where he offered prayers, distributed prasad and highlighted the city’s shared culture of harmony and brotherhood. Addressing the gathering, Yadav said that inflation, rising fuel and gas cylinder prices, distressed farmers, laborers, unemployed youth, and Agniveer recruits have all emerged as the “real opposition” to the BJP government. He alleged that the government had betrayed young people by depriving them of reservation benefits in the recruitment of 69,000 teachers and by treating Shiksha Mitras unfairly.
Speaking strongly on the NEET paper leak controversy, Yadav claimed that lakhs of students in Uttar Pradesh and across the country were affected. He said the examination should now be called a “leak examination” and demanded accountability from the government. According to him, inflation, corruption, unemployment, and repeated paper leaks have deeply angered the public. The Samajwadi Party chief also accused the BJP of injustice towards PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak), saying the ruling party was frightened by PDA unity after the Lok Sabha elections.
He asserted that PDA stood not only for social justice but also for “love, compassion, and inclusiveness.” Yadav further criticized the BJP government over infrastructure and governance issues in Uttar Pradesh. He alleged corruption in smart meter installations, road construction, and green corridor projects, claiming that public money was being looted in the name of development. Referring to the Samajwadi Party government’s tenure, he highlighted projects such as the world-class cancer institute, HCL’s arrival in Lucknow, Dial 100 services, the international cricket stadium, and major transmission lines for electricity.
On law and order, he cited NCRB data and claimed that women and girls remain unsafe in Uttar Pradesh, including in the state capital Lucknow. He also accused the BJP of suppressing voices of protest and misusing power for political gains. During the day, a delegation of UPPSC aspirants met Yadav and submitted a memorandum demanding reforms in the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission examination system. The students raised concerns over delays in examinations and results, errors in question papers, and lack of transparency in evaluation.
Yadav assured them that their concerns would be addressed on priority if the Samajwadi Party forms the government in 2027. Later, Yadav participated in several Bada Mangal events in Lucknow, including community feasts organized at Hazratganj Media Point, Raj Bhavan temple premises, and Gomti Nagar. He offered prayers to Lord Hanuman, distributed prasad, and interacted with devotees, journalists, and local residents. Speaking at the gatherings, Yadav praised Lucknow’s Ganga-Jamuni culture and spirit of brotherhood. He said that traditions like Bada Mangal strengthen social harmony and reflect India’s shared culture of love, compassion, and unity.
