Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday claimed that while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was busy engineering splits in other political parties, several of its own MLAs in Uttar Pradesh were ready to change sides.
Akhilesh's Allegations Against BJP
Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Akhilesh said, "BJP, which is causing splits in other parties and snatching away their MPs, its own MLAs in Uttar Pradesh are preparing to switch sides." He added that there are many who keep their cards close to their chest and reveal them at the opportune moment.
The former chief minister was responding to a query about how 'Operation Lotus' unfolded in West Bengal and Maharashtra, and speculation that Uttar Pradesh was next on the list where the BJP felt threatened by the Samajwadi Party.
BJP's Tactics Criticized
"BJP operates like this only. They have caused splits in many parties. In Uttar Pradesh too, they took away many MLAs, MLCs, and Rajya Sabha MPs," Akhilesh said. He emphasized that no matter what pressure, lure, or fear drove them away, the fact remains that whoever succumbs to threats will desert his party. To compete with the BJP, there has to be a team of bravehearts, he added, asserting that the SP was prepared to fight the BJP.
SP's Stand on Turncoats
Referring to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Akhilesh recalled his announcement that he would not induct any BJP turncoats into his party. "SP is a strong party. It has withstood quite a few ups and downs," he said.
