Akhilesh says EC is biased, attacks BJP over governance and farmers’ issues

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the Election Commission of acting in favour of the BJP in poll-bound states such as West Bengal and Assam.

Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters, he claimed that several senior officials, including the Director General of Police, had been removed in West Bengal, a move he said was not seen during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

He alleged that despite complaints of irregularities during by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, no action has been taken against the officials involved. He said neither the Election Commission nor the state government had acted on these complaints so far.

Targeting the BJP, Yadav said that once elections conclude in West Bengal and Assam, BJP leaders will turn their attention to Uttar Pradesh.

He, however, expressed confidence that a government led by PDA would be formed in the state. Referring to the BJP’s promise of better days, he said people would see relief once the party is voted out of power in Uttar Pradesh.

Commenting on the resignation of IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi, Yadav alleged that corruption in the state had reached alarming levels. He said such developments indicate growing dissatisfaction within the administrative system and claimed that officials are now inclined towards supporting a change in government.

Yadav also blamed BJP leaders for the ongoing LPG cylinder shortage in the state, alleging that the situation had been worsened deliberately. Raising concerns about farmers, he said that despite promises to double their income, cultivators continue to face distress and are not receiving fair prices for their produce.