BY MOHAMMAD TALIB – JAIPUR
Akhilesh Yadav, National President of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister, said that whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party loses on issues, it resorts to attacking by hiding behind institutions. He alleged that the BJP is misusing constitutional institutions and has been exposed through the use of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Income Tax Department.
Yadav alleged that the BJP conspired to get votes deleted using fake signatures. He claimed that large numbers of Form 7 were filled using forged signatures to cut Samajwadi Party votes. Despite complaints, he said, the Election Commission of India took no action. He added that even in cases where individuals could not sign, BJP workers allegedly forged their signatures, yet no action was taken.
During his two-day visit to Jaipur today, Yadav told the media at the airport that Jaipur’s environment reflects a shared cultural heritage. Known as the Pink City, he said they had come to plant the seeds of PDA (social justice alliance). He alleged that there is widespread injustice, oppression, and suffering under the BJP government, and wherever there is suffering, PDA exists. The Samajwadi Party, he said, is working to unite PDA and establish a regime of social justice.
He also accused the BJP of making false promises and never revisiting its manifesto. He pointed out that the BJP had promised to double farmers’ income and reduce inflation, but failed to fulfill these promises. He said farmers’ income has not increased anywhere in the country. He added that the government had projected India as a future global leader, but missed opportunities during global crises and wartime. He remarked that if the Prime Minister had visited Iran after his Israel trip, the world might have recognized him as a global leader.
Responding to a question, Yadav said BJP leaders are disrespecting revered Shankaracharya everywhere and that it is the responsibility of governments to ensure his security. On women’s reservation, he said the BJP is not doing justice to women. He questioned why the reservation, though discussed as one-third, is being delayed until the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He also questioned why the bill is based on the 2011 census instead of a new one, alleging that the BJP intends to deceive women once again.
He expressed confidence that in 2027, the Samajwadi Party will defeat the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and then strengthen the party in Rajasthan. He further alleged that the Election Commission is working under BJP influence, citing multiple examples, including by-elections in Uttar Pradesh where he claimed the Commission acted in BJP’s favor. He also alleged that votes were cut in booths where the BJP was losing and that large-scale vote deletions occurred in West Bengal. He asserted that despite this, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will once again win decisively.
Commenting on a sting operation involving a leader in West Bengal, Yadav said that such information surfaces from time to time and that several forces are working to harm secular and democratic politics. Speaking about Nitish Kumar, he said many had hoped he would retire as Prime Minister, but due to BJP’s alleged conspiracies, he may now retire as a Rajya Sabha member.
