New Delhi [India], March 20: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday sharply criticized RSS leader Sunil Ambekar’s statement regarding the recent Nagpur violence, accusing the ruling party of creating and fueling the controversy for political gains.
Yadav’s Response to Sunil Ambekar’s Remarks
Reacting to Ambekar’s statement that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb is “not relevant” today and that violence should be discouraged, Yadav remarked:
“The same people raise this issue, the same people ignite the fire, and now they are saying that the issue should not be raised.”
His comments come amid ongoing tensions in Nagpur, where violence broke out over videos allegedly glorifying Aurangzeb.
Delimitation Concerns: “I Stand with Tamil Nadu”
On the issue of delimitation, Yadav expressed solidarity with Tamil Nadu, questioning the BJP’s electoral tactics and potential impact of the proposed changes.
“I am with the people of Tamil Nadu because no one knows what kind of delimitation the BJP will do. Haven’t you seen how they fight elections?” he asked.
He further demanded a nationwide census, followed by a caste census, before making any decisions on delimitation:
“First, the government should conduct a census, and then a caste census should be done.”
Criticism of BJP Over Farmers’ Protests
Yadav also took aim at the BJP-led central government over its handling of farmers’ issues, accusing them of prioritizing corporate interests over agriculture.
“As far as farmers are concerned, the BJP does not care about them. They see the economy from above and make the rich richer. No government should do injustice to farmers; their demands should be discussed.”
Rahul Gandhi, Punjab Congress MPs Protest Against Farmers’ Eviction
Meanwhile, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi met with Congress MPs from Punjab, who were protesting in Parliament after the Punjab government evicted farmers from the Shambhu Border.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sandeep Pathak also addressed the issue, stating that while the Punjab government is willing to engage with farmers, the central government must take responsibility.
“Blocking roads in Punjab will only harm farmers. The central government must resolve their issues. The Punjab government is ready to talk 24/7, but the key demands must be addressed at the national level.”
Key Takeaways:
- Akhilesh Yadav criticized RSS and BJP over Nagpur violence and delimitation.
- Expressed support for Tamil Nadu, demanding census before delimitation.
- Accused BJP of ignoring farmers’ concerns and focusing on corporate interests.
- Rahul Gandhi backed Punjab Congress MPs protesting farmers’ eviction.
- AAP MP Sandeep Pathak called for the central government to resolve farmers’ demands.