BJP may conspire to defame SP but can't match its work: Akhilesh

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that the BJP has been attempting to defame the SP through conspiracies, but it will never be able to match the work and governance model of the SP govt.

Addressing party functionaries and supporters during celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap at the party state headquarters in Lucknow, Akhilesh said the BJP represented “undemocratic politics” and warned party workers to remain cautious.

“The BJP may conspire to defame the SP, but it cannot compete with its governance. It will not be able to repeat the West Bengal story in UP,” he said, adding that the SP was committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution.

A large number of representatives of Kshatriya community wearing traditional turbans attended the event at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia auditorium. Akhilesh also paid floral tribute to Maharana Pratap and described the Rajput king as a symbol of courage, self-respect and resistance against injustice.

“Maharana Pratap never compromised with his dignity despite hardships and continued to fight oppression with determination,” he said.

Referring to the warrior king’s legendary horse Chetak, Yadav said the bond symbolised loyalty and sacrifice.

Akhilesh announced that if the SP returned to power in UP, a grand statue of Maharana Pratap would be installed at the Gomti Riverfront. He said the statue would feature a “golden spear” and would be accompanied by a beautiful memorial.

Calling the Gomti Riverfront a “world-class project,” the former CM said it was developed as a model for river cleaning and urban beautification.

He also announced that his party would declare a two-day holiday on Maharana Pratap Jayanti if voted to power.

Highlighting the SP’s social justice plank, Akhilesh said the party respected every section of society and never discriminated on caste or community lines.

“Samajwadis stand against injustice and oppression. The weaker sections supported by Maharana Pratap in his struggle are today part of the PDA alliance,” he said.

“Development-oriented governance in UP began under the SP govt. Jobs, laptops and welfare schemes were distributed without discrimination during his tenure,” Akhilesh said, highlighting schemes like free laptop distribution and Kanya Vidya Dhan assistance, under which financial aid of Rs 30,000 was provided to girl students to support higher education.