Akhilesh seeks debate in Parl on West Asia conflict

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday sought a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia and questioned govt's foreign policy, alleging that India was acting under pressure from the US."The Centre must clarify its stand on the war. How are they looking at the conflict there (West Asia)," Akhilesh told reporters at the Parliament complex on Monday. Expressing concern over the large number of Indians stranded in the region, he demanded that those who wish to come back must be brought back safely. Coming down heavily on "US dictating terms to India", the SP president said: "On one hand India talks of being ‘Atmanirbhar' (self-reliance) but on the other we are following the orders of US. What will happen to the ‘Atmanirbhar' motto when another country is dictating on the way India buys oil from other countries. These issues must be discussed in the Parliament." On the issue of Opposition's plans to move for impeachment of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Akhilesh said there were allegations against the functioning of the chief election officer (CEO) in Uttar Pradesh as well. "Everyone is aware of the Nand Lal and Dashrath episode during the SIR of the electoral rolls," Akhilesh said to back his allegations of irregularities.Akhilesh had produced Nandlal before the media at SP headquarters stating how several Form 7 were submitted with his signatures even though he was illiterate. "The ECI did not lodge an FIR for the fraud," he maintained. The former UP CM cited a specific instance where Form 7 was submitted with the signatures of SP district president seeking to delete names of SP supporters. "Election Commission's responsibility is to ensure that every genuine voter's name is on the list. Action must follow against those working against EC's professional interests," he said. Etawah Lion Safari fulfilling SP's vision: Akhilesh Lucknow: Lioness Neerja at Etawah Lion Safari Park giving birth to four cubs is the continuation of the vision under which the safari was set up during the SP govt, said Akhilesh Yadav. "This is the third time that the lioness has given birth. Earlier, it had given birth to two and three cubs respectively. Now, a total of 11 cubs will grow into adult lions and add to the dwindling count of the big cat in Asia," Akhilesh said in a statement. He congratulated the staff and officials for their dedication towards the upkeep of wildlife at the park.