Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Vigilance on Electoral Rolls in Uttar Pradesh
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav issued a strong directive to party cadre and PDA prahris on Monday. He emphasized the need for close monitoring during the second phase of the ongoing SIR process. Yadav specifically instructed them to ensure that members of the PDA community are not deliberately excluded from the electoral rolls.
Ensuring Fair Inclusion in Voter Lists
Akhilesh Yadav addressed party functionaries and cadre at the party office in Lucknow. He told them to keep a sharp eye on the filing of forms for name inclusion in the electoral rolls. Yadav revealed concerning reports about government officials assigning booth level officers tasks to add 200 names each at every booth.
"We have to make sure that only rightful claims are entertained," Yadav stated firmly. He urged the cadre to assist legitimate PDA community members in filling out their forms and securing their names on the electoral rolls. The SP chief stressed that there is absolutely no room for carelessness or lethargy in this critical task.
Focus on First-Time Voters and BJP Critique
Akhilesh Yadav also asked party workers to identify first-time voters. He directed them to help these young citizens fill up Form 6 to get their names enrolled properly. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister did not mince words when criticizing the ruling party.
"Mislead and loot is BJP's nature," Yadav declared. He called for alertness among party members to foil such attempts by raising their voices at appropriate forums.
Highlighting Government Failures and Political Tactics
Yadav expressed deep concern over several pressing issues in Uttar Pradesh. He pointed to the spike in crimes against women and minor girls. The Samajwadi Party leader also highlighted the steep jump in cybercrime cases and the persistent problem of rising joblessness across the state.
The former CM asserted that the BJP government has failed on all these fronts. He accused the ruling party of now resorting to its favorite option - politics of hate - to divert attention from these failures.
Questioning BJP's Development Claims
Akhilesh Yadav directly challenged BJP's narrative about Uttar Pradesh's transformation. The BJP has claimed that before 2017, under SP governance, the state suffered from 'updrav' or nuisance. They now portray Uttar Pradesh as experiencing 'utsav' or celebration.
Yadav countered this claim with a pointed question. "What kind of celebration is this where people are not allowed to host feasts?" he asked. This statement appeared to reference recent controversy where BJP top brass objected to a bati-chokha feast organized by Brahmin MLAs as a show of strength.
Tribute to Swami Vivekananda
Separately, Akhilesh Yadav paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary. He described the spiritual leader's life as a call for internal freedom and independence for every individual.
Yadav explained that the essence of Swami Vivekananda's teachings lies in the meaning of his name itself. 'Vivek' implies using one's own wisdom to differentiate between right and wrong to attain 'anand' or joy. The SP president emphasized that this philosophy denounces mental slavery completely.
Recognition for Overlooked Award Recipient
In a notable gesture, Akhilesh Yadav presented a cash prize of Rs 51,000 to Awadesh Kumar Sahu of Lucknow. Sahu was initially selected for the UP Vivekananda Award and received a formal written invitation for the event. However, his name was later dropped for reasons known only to the organizers.
Yadav's action highlighted what he perceives as inconsistencies in the current administration's recognition processes. This move underscored his commitment to acknowledging deserving individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.
