Akhilesh questions Modi govt over widespread paper leaks in parliament
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took center stage in the Lok Sabha today, delivering a pointed address that critiqued the Modi government while infusing his speech with wit and poetic flair, a day after Rahul Gandhi's remarks sparked heated debate.
During the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, Yadav, representing Kannauj, raised critical issues such as the recurring paper leaks in competitive exams and reiterated his party's steadfast stance against the use of EVMs in elections, regardless of electoral outcomes.
Reflecting on recent political dynamics, Yadav remarked, "They promised '400 seats' during elections. Today, it seems a defeated government is in power. The public sentiment suggests this government's days are numbered."
In a poetic jab at the ruling coalition, formed post-election alliances to secure a majority, Yadav quipped, "There's no thread from above, no base below; a government without a foundation is no government at all."
Asserting the Opposition's moral victory, Yadav stated, "The entire nation knows that INDIA stands with India," emphasizing unity over divisive politics.
June 4, Yadav marked a symbolic independence from communal politics, advocating for a united approach to governance. He questioned the government's claims of economic prowess, highlighting issues like per capita income, hunger index, and happiness rankings.
"People's will, not personal ambitions, should govern the nation," Yadav declared, emphasizing the importance of public interest over political whims.
Turning his focus to Uttar Pradesh, Yadav criticized what he described as widespread corruption under the guise of development initiatives. He sarcastically referenced the state's infrastructure projects, quipping, "Aircraft once landed on our roads, now boats ply them; the reality of the 'Smart City' promise."
Addressing the issue of exam paper leaks, Yadav condemned the rise of a "competitive exams mafia," alleging systemic corruption depriving youth of job opportunities.
"The government's failure to tackle these leaks poisons the hopes of our youth," he lamented, mocking the government's slogans without tangible results.
Highlighting INDIA bloc's recent electoral success in Faizabad, Yadav credited the victory to the electorate's political acumen, alluding to broader implications for national politics.
Yadav concluded by affirming his party's support for a caste Census, arguing that social justice hinges upon accurate demographic data.
On the contentious Agniveer issue, Yadav, drawing from his military background, criticized the program's alleged compromises on national security. He pledged to discontinue such schemes under an INDIA bloc government.
Throughout his address, Yadav's rhetoric underscored a staunch opposition stance while advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in national affairs.
Additionally, Yadav voiced his mistrust of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), asserting that he would remain skeptical even if his party won all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. Participating in the Lok Sabha debate, Yadav stated that the INDIA alliance would abolish EVMs once in power.
"When the Model Code of Conduct was imposed, the government and the commission seemed biased. I don't want to delve into specifics, but questions have been raised about that institution," Yadav remarked, indirectly referring to the Election Commission. "I did not trust EVMs yesterday, I don't trust them today, and even if I win all 80 seats, I will not trust EVMs."
Yadav insisted that the issue with EVMs was far from resolved and vowed that the Samajwadi Party would persist in questioning their integrity. In response, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla suggested that it would be preferable not to cast doubts on the impartiality of the Election Commission.
