BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
In a moment charged with emotion and political candour, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav delivered a stinging rebuke to the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of drifting far from the promises it once made. Speaking while fondly remembering the courage and legacy of Phoolan Devi, Yadav remarked, “Those who are tangled in the past can’t really talk about vision. BJP members should first pick up their own manifesto and see that none of it has been fulfilled.”
His words struck a chord with many in the audience, who nodded in agreement as he criticised what he described as the ruling party’s selective memory. According to Yadav, the BJP seems to have conveniently developed “memory loss” when confronted with the commitments it has failed to honour. Instead, he suggested, the party is now attempting to distract the public with talk of ambitious futures, futures that feel disconnected from the present reality.
Yadav didn’t mince his words as he continued, “Those who are on their way out are suddenly remembering the future at the moment of their departure.” It was a remark that resonated deeply, reflecting a growing sentiment among voters who feel that the gap between promises and delivery has widened over the years. He went on to describe the BJP’s fresh announcements as nothing more than political theatre, saying, “The ones whose bags the public has already packed should not present a blank sheet of paper as a roadmap and pretend to be planning for tomorrow.”
By invoking Phoolan Devi, a symbol of resilience and justice, Yadav sought to remind people of the values he believes should guide political leadership: honesty, accountability, and genuine service. His remarks set the tone for what promises to be an intense and emotionally charged political season, as parties begin to position themselves before the electorate with renewed urgency and sharpened rhetoric.
