Akhilesh Alleges Bihar-Bengal Poll Tactics in UP, Warns of Threat to Fair Elections

Kasganj (Uttar Pradesh), June 12: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of weakening democratic institutions and attempting to influence the electoral process for political advantage.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating Urmila Garden at Soron Gate in Kasganj, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister expressed concern over the conduct of elections and alleged that similar practices witnessed in other states could pose a serious challenge to free and fair polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Yadav claimed that efforts were being made to alter the electoral landscape in a manner that would benefit the ruling party. According to him, democratic competition could suffer if electoral mechanisms were not protected from political interference.

Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Samajwadi Party leader urged party workers to remain vigilant and ensure that eligible voters were not excluded from the voter lists. He called for extensive monitoring at the grassroots level, stressing the importance of safeguarding every citizen’s voting rights.

The SP chief also targeted the BJP over the issue of women’s reservation, alleging that the ruling party was attempting to shape political representation according to its own interests. He maintained that strong opposition participation was essential for a healthy democracy and accused the BJP of seeking an uneven political playing field.

Highlighting the concerns of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, Yadav alleged that these communities had been deprived of opportunities and benefits that rightfully belonged to them. He claimed that social justice and reservation policies had suffered under the current administration.

Expressing confidence about the party’s future prospects, Yadav asserted that public dissatisfaction with the BJP government was growing across Uttar Pradesh. He said the Samajwadi Party was preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections and would continue to raise issues affecting ordinary citizens.

The SP president further alleged that scrutiny of electoral records at various levels would reveal irregularities and claimed that attempts to influence voter participation had ultimately impacted supporters of the ruling party as well.

On the issue of law and order, Yadav raised concerns over alleged fake encounters and stated that accountability would be ensured if his party returned to power. He said any wrongdoing would be examined through legal and constitutional processes.

Criticising the Uttar Pradesh government’s performance, the opposition leader accused it of failing to control inflation and corruption while neglecting the interests of farmers. He argued that cultivators continued to struggle despite repeated promises of support and better returns.

Yadav also questioned the government’s record on employment and rural development, alleging that young people were facing limited opportunities and farmers had not received the benefits promised to them. He reiterated demands for stronger protections and economic support for the agricultural community.

In a direct attack on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Yadav disputed claims regarding the state’s development trajectory, arguing that previous governments had laid the foundation for several welfare and infrastructure initiatives. He highlighted projects undertaken during Samajwadi Party rule and said they had contributed significantly to Uttar Pradesh’s growth.

The SP leader additionally alleged a decline in public healthcare services, claiming that hospitals were facing shortages of medical staff and essential medicines. He also accused the government of failing to adequately maintain welfare schemes introduced by previous administrations.

As political activity intensifies ahead of future elections, Yadav’s remarks signal the Samajwadi Party’s intention to focus on issues related to electoral transparency, governance, social justice, and economic concerns while positioning itself as the principal challenger to the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.