Samajwadi Party National President and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav addressed a significant press conference in Lucknow on Sunday, August 30, setting the tone for the upcoming political battles in Uttar Pradesh. During his address, Yadav launched a comprehensive attack on the ruling Yogi Adityanath government, touching upon issues ranging from social justice and infrastructure to law and order and religious integrity. He emphasized that the Khangar community has been neglected and promised to restore their honor if his party returns to power.
Commitment to Caste Census and Social Justice
One of the most significant announcements made by Akhilesh Yadav was his commitment to conducting a caste census, while he stated that if the Samajwadi Party forms the government, the process of a caste census would be completed within a strict timeframe of 3 months. According to Yadav, this is essential to ensure that communities like the Khangar and Arkvanshi receive the respect and representation they deserve. He claimed that these communities have been deceived by the current administration and promised that under a Samajwadi government, members of the Arkvanshi and Khangar societies would return to their homes with red beacon lights, symbolizing their inclusion in the power structure.
Honoring Maharaja Khet Singh Khangar
Akhilesh Yadav paid tribute to Maharaja Khet Singh Khangar Ju Dev, the ruler of Jujhauthikhand Garhkundar, noting that he has not received the recognition he deserves. To rectify this, he announced that a grand statue of Maharaja Khet Singh would be installed at a prestigious location in Lucknow, specifically along the banks of the Gomti River, while he criticized the BJP for previously installing a statue of the Maharaja that was allegedly built with corrupt practices and subsequently broke. Yadav promised that his government would install a statue made of Ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) to ensure durability and respect.
Financial Promises and Educational Reforms
In a major outreach to women, the SP chief announced that as soon as his government is formed, women would be provided with 40000 rupees. He also mentioned the revival of schemes like Kanya Vidya Dhan to provide relief to the Khangar society and others who have gained nothing since independence. Plus, Yadav raised the issue of 26000 schools that have been closed in the state. He claimed that these schools primarily served children from the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpashankyak) sections of society and vowed to reopen all of them to ensure accessible education for the marginalized.
Critique of Infrastructure and Technology
The former Chief Minister didn't mince words when discussing the state's infrastructure. He pointed out that the Bundelkhand Expressway, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suffered damages shortly after its opening. He also highlighted that the Ganga Expressway has started sinking and the Kanpur Expressway project is in shambles. Yadav questioned the space technology and design expertise of the government, asking who is responsible for the frequent failures of these multi-crore projects. He alleged that the BJP's focus on corruption has narrowed their vision, leading to poor quality construction.
Law and Order and Corruption Allegations
Addressing the law and order situation, Yadav coined the phrase "Hatheli garm police narm" to describe the alleged corruption within the Uttar Pradesh police force. He questioned who is emboldening the police to act in such a manner. Citing the Ankit Baliyan murder case, he stated that criminals from other states are entering Uttar Pradesh and firing 18 bullets at victims, leaving families pleading for justice. He labeled the current administration as a "government of loot," accusing them of selling state assets, including the first cow milk plant in Kannauj and valuable land adjacent to the Clark Hotel.
Religious Integrity and National Unity
Yadav also took aim at the management of the Ram Temple, alleging theft of donations. He remarked that while many people seek alms outside temples, they don't steal from the temple itself, unlike the current authorities whom he described as unrighteous (Adharmi). He further alleged that there is widespread adulteration in petrol and that the price of sugar has become unaffordable. Finally, he commented on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent message of Hindu-Muslim unity delivered in the United States, contrasting it with the domestic situation where he claimed the BJP and its affiliates focus on dividing the country. He concluded by stating that the BJP can only sell signature buildings like JPNIC but lacks the vision to build them, and that their departure would bring big thinking back to the state.