Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging that the country is passing through a “time of crisis” rather than an era of progress.
Addressing the media at the party office in Lucknow after a meeting with district-level office-bearers of Lohia Vahini, Chhatra Sabha and Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade, Yadav said the Samajwadi Party would celebrate the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar across villages and hold discussions on the Constitution.
He accused the ruling government of attempting to weaken constitutional values and replace democracy with a more centralised system. “This is not a period of progress. It is a time of crisis. Even those from traditional and religious sections are facing difficulties. Saints are being attacked and insulted,” he said.
Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party, Yadav said the government was functioning like a trader. “We follow the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the path shown by Ram Manohar Lohia and the principles of Netaji Mulayam Singh Yadav to establish a socialist system. On the other hand, the BJP government is working like a trader selling everything with the sole aim of profit,” he said.
He alleged that corruption under the present dispensation has led to rising inflation and economic distress.
Raising the issue of unemployment, the Samajwadi Party chief said the youth were being shown dreams of large investments without tangible outcomes. “Educated young people do not have jobs. If you ask the government how many employment opportunities have been created through investments, they do not provide figures,” he said.