BY SANJAY MISHRA
In a fiery press conference held at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, party president Akhilesh Yadav addressed the media and party workers with strong criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central and Uttar Pradesh governments. Flanked by senior party leaders and grassroots workers, Yadav’s speech focused on the ongoing threat he perceives to the Indian Constitution, democracy, and the secular fabric of the nation.
“‘Do shabd’ sirf bahaana hai, asal mein BJP aur uske saathi poora samvidhan mitana chahte hain,” Yadav declared, referring to recent comments by BJP leaders advocating the removal of certain words from the Preamble. “Yeh sirf shabdon ki baat nahi hai, yeh unke soch ki nishaani hai,” he added, accusing the ruling party of attempting to alter the fundamental character of the Constitution under the guise of nationalism and reform.
Yadav outlined what he called the BJP’s “hidden agenda” to centralize power, undermine democratic institutions, and suppress dissent. He alleged that the government had weakened independent bodies, curtailed press freedom, and targeted opposition leaders through investigative agencies.
With several party members seated behind him wearing the Samajwadi Party’s signature red cap and pink scarf, Yadav portrayed a strong visual of party unity and grassroots mobilization. Bicycles mounted on the red backdrop—symbolic of the party’s election symbol—further reinforced the SP’s call for an alternative political path rooted in socialism and equity.
The former chief minister also highlighted the issues affecting the common man—rising unemployment, inflation, and farmers’ distress. “Na naukri hai, na vyapar, bas jumle aur dhokha hai,” he stated, lambasting the central government’s economic policies. He also criticized the Agniveer scheme, saying it reflects the government’s insensitivity toward youth employment and the dignity of service.
Akhilesh Yadav emphasized that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP fell short of a majority and had to rely on alliances, was a “clear message from the people.” He called upon all secular and democratic forces to unite ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. “Yeh samay saath chalne ka hai, desh ko bachane ka samay hai,” he said, adding that the Samajwadi Party is prepared to lead a people’s movement to safeguard the Constitution.
In response to questions from the media, Yadav reiterated his commitment to social justice and reservation rights for backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. He also pledged to restore law and order, improve healthcare and education, and boost rural employment if voted back to power.
As the press conference concluded, the room echoed with slogans of “Samvidhan Bachao, Desh Bachao” and “Akhilesh Zindabad.” The event marked a significant political moment as the Samajwadi Party gears up for future electoral battles, positioning itself as the primary challenger to the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.
