"Sometimes dynastic politics has its benefits," Akhilesh Yadav said with a laugh.
NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said the party had an "advantage" in avoiding a possible split as five members of his family are among its MPs, adding that "sometimes dynastic politics has its benefits". He suggested that even if some MPs left, the party would retain enough numbers to remain intact. "Have you ever wondered why the entire party did not split? Because there are five MPs from the same family. We also have several Muslim MPs, and some staunch socialists, so our numbers would not decrease," he told news agency PTI. Yadav also sought to put to rest any speculation about the SP breaking its political alliances, saying the party had consistently stood by its commitments. "The Samajwadi Party never breaks alliances. When the Samajwadi Party agrees to move forward with others, it stands by them, and we have always honoured our commitments." The SP chief said his party's broader goal was to form a government based on socialist ideology and social justice, with the PDA, referring to 'pichhda' or backward classes, Dalits and 'alpsankhyak' or minorities, at the centre of its politics. "They are scared of the PDA, that is why they are trying to misrepresent the PDA. The greater the suffering, the stronger the PDA will become," Yadav said.
Yadav attacks BJP over rising prices
Yadav then turned his criticism towards the BJP government over the rising cost of essential commodities, particularly with festivals approaching. "Everything is becoming expensive today. Diesel, petrol, everything," he said, while questioning the government over the rise in sugar prices. He also questioned the use of sugarcane for ethanol production, alleging that the policy was benefiting businesses while consumers were facing higher prices. "They are mixing ethanol in petrol for profit, and also hiking sugar prices to maximise their gains. The question is: whose pocket is this money going into?" The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also questioned claims of rising per capita income, pointing to the number of people still dependent on subsidised rations. "What is the per capita income of these 15 crore people?" he asked.
SP chief raises education and welfare concerns
Yadav also alleged that primary education in Uttar Pradesh was being deliberately weakened and recalled initiatives taken during his previous government to improve infrastructure and teaching standards in government primary schools. He said children from disadvantaged communities make up a large proportion of students in government primary schools. If the SP returns to power, he said, his party would improve these schools and ensure children receive nutritious meals.
Yadav also accused the BJP government of widespread injustice and alleged discrimination against people from different communities. On financial assistance for women, he said the SP had earlier announced yearly assistance of Rs 40,000 and claimed the BJP was now making similar promises.
Yadav says speaking truth has become difficult
Yadav also alleged that journalists were under significant pressure under BJP rule, saying that people were finding it increasingly difficult to speak openly. "Speaking the truth is wrong these days. If you speak the truth, you will be attacked. It has become difficult to speak the truth," he said. The SP chief accused the BJP of pursuing policies that he said benefited large business groups and reiterated that his party's political fight remained against the ruling party. Yadav said the SP's objective was to build a government committed to social justice and based on socialist principles, while maintaining its focus on the PDA bloc of backward classes, Dalits and minorities.
