Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has taken a swipe at the Uttar Pradesh government over reports of stray dogs roaming inside the Sir Sunderlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The criticism comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the city on December 13.
Akhilesh Yadav's Remarks
Taking to social media platform X, Yadav posted a video showing dogs inside the hospital premises. He wrote, "If you cannot transform it into Kyoto ahead of PM Modi's visit to Kashi, at least ensure that dogs don't roam inside the hospital." The remark was a dig at the state government's preparations for the Prime Minister's visit, implying that basic cleanliness and safety measures were being neglected.
Background of the Controversy
The video shared by Yadav shows several dogs moving freely in the corridors of the hospital, raising concerns about hygiene and patient safety. The Sir Sunderlal Hospital is a major healthcare facility in the region, and the presence of stray animals has been a persistent issue. Local residents and patients have previously complained about the lack of proper animal control measures.
The Uttar Pradesh government has been making extensive arrangements for PM Modi's visit, including beautification projects and security enhancements. However, Yadav's criticism highlights the gap between the government's focus on optics and the ground reality of public health infrastructure.
Political Reactions
The opposition has seized on the issue to attack the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh. Congress leaders also expressed concern over the hospital conditions, calling for immediate action. Meanwhile, BJP spokespersons dismissed Yadav's comments as political opportunism, stating that the government has taken steps to address the problem and that such incidents are isolated.
The debate over stray animals in public hospitals is not new in India. In many government hospitals, stray dogs and other animals are often seen due to inadequate fencing and waste management. Animal rights activists have called for humane solutions, such as sterilization and relocation, rather than culling.
PM Modi's Varanasi Visit
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, on December 13. The visit is expected to include inaugurations of development projects and public meetings. The city has been spruced up for the occasion, with roads being repaired, garbage cleared, and security tightened.
However, the incident at BHU hospital has cast a shadow over the preparations. The state government has assured that the issue will be resolved promptly. District officials have been directed to coordinate with hospital authorities to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients.
The controversy also underscores the ongoing political rivalry between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, with both sides trading barbs over governance issues.
