Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday attacked the BJP-led govts at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that rising inflation, corruption and economic mismanagement had pushed the state’s “double-engine govt” into crisis.Talking to reporters in Mainpuri, former CM Akhilesh Yadav claimed that prices of diesel, petrol and cooking gas continued to rise, while farmers were struggling to obtain fertilisers. He also alleged that stray cattle was a major problem in rural areas and accused the govt of creating an electricity crisis in the state.The SP chief criticized the implementation of smart electricity meters, alleging that it led to inflated power bills and triggered public resentment. He claimed that promises of developing smart cities had not been fulfilled.“The Indian economy has weakened under BJP rule. As Dollar becomes more expensive, the cost of essential commodities will continue to rise,” he said, accusing the BJP of pursuing policies that is “harming the country’s economy”.He also accused the BJP of misleading the public, misusing state machinery against political opponents and registering false cases to tarnish their image.He alleged that BJP leaders frequently used objectionable and unparliamentary language and had eroded political decorum. “The Samajwadi Party has always exercised restraint in its language and political conduct. We have never crossed limits in opposing our rivals, but BJP has damaged the dignity of democratic discourse,” he said.Akhilesh also expressed support for Hindu religious leaders, alleging that respected Shankaracharyas was insulted and neglected under the BJP govt.Claiming that the BJP was reluctant to provide adequate representation to women, he demanded the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill by 2027. He said after coming to power, Samajwadi Party govt would ensure greater participation of PDA communities and women in governance and public institutions.The SP chief accused the BJP of injustice against ordinary citizens and opposition. He alleged that members of PDA communities had been targeted in fake police encounters, though he did not provide specific examples.Referring to the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, former CM Akhilesh Yadav claimed the incident reflected the scale of corruption under the BJP govt.“Corruption and loot have reached their peak. No sector has remained untouched by corruption,” he said.
