BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav used the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti to launch a sharp political offensive against both the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government while making a series of high-profile promises aimed at shaping the party’s future political narrative in the state. Addressing a packed press conference at the party headquarters in Lucknow, Akhilesh appeared in a traditional turban and invoked the legacy of Rajput warrior king Maharana Pratap as a symbol of bravery, self-respect and resistance.
The Samajwadi Party chief announced that if his party returns to power in Uttar Pradesh, Maharana Pratap Jayanti would be declared a two-day government holiday. He also promised the installation of a grand statue of Maharana Pratap along with his loyal horse Chetak at the Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow. According to Akhilesh, the statue would feature a golden spear and would stand as a symbol of courage, pride and dignity for future generations.
Calling the Gomti Riverfront one of the finest riverfront projects in the country, Akhilesh said the site would also become a place to honour great personalities and social movements. He claimed that once fully developed, the project would serve as a model for river conservation and urban beautification across India. Apart from cultural symbolism, the SP president used the platform to intensify his criticism of the BJP-led governments.
Raising questions over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Akhilesh alleged that democracy and constitutional institutions were under threat. Referring to recent political developments and elections abroad, he argued that ballot paper systems continue to be trusted even in advanced democracies like England. He asserted that the opposition’s fight against EVMs would continue “whether it takes years or even a century.”
Akhilesh further alleged the existence of a “multi-layered electoral mafia” operating in the country and appealed to opposition parties and democratic forces to unite to safeguard the Constitution and democratic values. Drawing a controversial comparison, he claimed that if smart meters can be controlled remotely, then EVMs too could be manipulated. However, he maintained confidence that the Samajwadi Party still has the strength to defeat the BJP electorally.
Focusing on welfare and social justice, Akhilesh reiterated that the Samajwadi Party’s core support base remains PDA, backward classes, Dalits and minorities. He promised free education for girls from KG to PG if the party comes to power and also assured that government-run cancer treatment facilities would be strengthened to provide free treatment for poor patients.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also questioned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “zero tolerance” policy on crime and law enforcement. Citing NCRB data, he alleged that crimes against women and SC-ST communities have increased significantly in the state and claimed that law and order in Uttar Pradesh had “collapsed under the current government.”
Akhilesh also took aim at the BJP over privatization and economic policies, accusing the ruling party of favouring capitalists while pretending to support socialist ideals. He warned that fuel prices could rise further and expressed concern over the future privatization of major infrastructure projects like Noida International Airport.
The SP chief also made a sarcastic attack on a recent Uttar Pradesh government order directing officials to show greater respect to MPs and MLAs. “Respect cannot come through government orders; it is earned through good work,” he remarked, turning the issue into yet another political attack on the ruling establishment.
