Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday strongly criticized the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, asserting that caste is an emotional and social connector for backward communities and forms the basis for reservation. Speaking at a press conference at the SP office in Lucknow, Yadav referenced the Mandal Commission, emphasizing that backward classes were entitled to reservation due to long-standing caste-based discrimination.
Yadav took aim at the BJP’s recent directive that caste should not be mentioned in FIRs, arrest warrants, or official documents, calling the move inconsistent with existing laws like the Harijan Act. “Action should be taken against those who purified houses with Ganga water because Dalits had entered them. I went to a temple where the priest allowed me, but BJP people still got the temple washed. They should explain why,” he remarked.
Highlighting the growing political influence of PDA communities (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak), Yadav alleged that the BJP is unsettled by their unity. “Ever since we released data on PDA representation in various departments, BJP has panicked and started humiliating people. Today, PDA trusts the Samajwadi Party,” he said, positioning his party as a representative of marginalized groups.
The SP chief also attacked the BJP for alleged corruption, claiming that legislators themselves admit to ten percent commissions, but the government distracts the public with trivial issues such as “cream, powder, and shampoo.” Yadav warned that the SP would continue exposing such practices.
During the press meet, Yadav welcomed several leaders into the SP fold, including Sudhir Chauhan, former MLA Chaudhary Amar Singh, Vidyasagar, and Lalji Bharti, who left the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Their induction is seen as part of SP’s broader strategy to consolidate backward caste, Dalit, and minority support ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
Yadav further accused the BJP government of forcibly acquiring farmers’ land, alleging that the administration ignores legal provisions, exerts pressure, files false cases, and cheats farmers. He promised that when the SP comes to power, compensation would be provided by increasing the circle rate, ensuring justice for farmers.
