Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 17: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp critique of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, accusing him of being disconnected from public issues—especially those impacting the state’s weaver community.
Speaking at a press conference, Yadav alleged that middlemen exploit weavers, depriving them of their rightful earnings. He further criticized the government’s procurement policy, stating that less than 20% of the wheat crop is being purchased, leaving farmers unsupported.
The SP leader also targeted the state’s dairy sector, claiming that milk production has nearly ceased and that the first cow milk plant has been shut down. He linked this to rising inflation and unemployment, which he alleged were worsened by corruption under BJP rule.
Yadav also cited alleged internal conflicts within the government, mentioning tensions between the Deputy Chief Minister and the outgoing Chief Minister. On healthcare, he claimed that patients have died due to improper medication over the past ten years.
Referring to the Kumbh Mela stampede deaths, Yadav accused the government of negligence, saying it failed to officially name the victims despite announcing compensation.
The SP chief reaffirmed that the INDIA alliance will contest the 2027 state elections.
On Monday, Yadav raised questions over the recently concluded police recruitment drive in Uttar Pradesh, alleging discrimination against marginalised communities—specifically the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak). He demanded transparency in the process and asked for a detailed breakdown of PDA representation among the newly appointed constables.
“No government can bypass recruitment rules. What is the actual representation of PDA groups in this so-called historic recruitment?” Yadav questioned, calling the government’s claims part of a political “propaganda.”
In contrast, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had lauded the recruitment as historic. On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had distributed appointment letters to 60,244 newly recruited civil police constables in a ceremony held in Lucknow.