Lucknow, March 26 Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday attacked the BJP government at the Centre, alleging that changes in LPG cylinder supply were not matched with adequate production planning and questioning the government's preparedness in dealing with rising costs and supply issues.
Claiming that his family had already arranged two traditional earthen stoves at home in view of the "ongoing LPG-related difficulties", he alleged that the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh failed to address inflation, unemployment, and key governance challenges, and instead relied on "propaganda" and "event-based politics".
Yadav told reporters that people are "standing in queues for basic needs" such as cooking gas under the BJP rule.
Continuing his remarks on the LPG situation, the former chief minister said he had earlier advised people to keep alternatives such as cow-dung cakes, firewood, and charcoal stoves ready in view of a possible crisis.
"I had told you to keep cow-dung cakes, firewood, and charcoal stoves ready... but you did not heed my advice. As for us, we have already procured two traditional earthen stoves for our home, because everyone is bound to face difficulties regarding cooking gas," the SP chief said.
The Lok Sabha MP said that people would increasingly be forced to rely on conventional methods of cooking using firewood and coal due to the prevailing situation. The issue was widespread and not limited to any particular section, he added.
Highlighting the impact on livelihoods, Yadav said small entrepreneurs and traders, particularly those dependent on daily earnings such as street vendors, were among the worst affected.
Targeting the BJP's governance model, Yadav said its decisions push citizens into dire difficulties.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also demanded a thorough probe into the recent memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed by the state government, alleging that several agreements were inked with companies lacking strong financial backgrounds and were aimed at creating a "false narrative" of investment.
On technology, he said India has significant potential to use artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, particularly for predictive analysis and improving farm productivity, but the government has failed to create a supportive ecosystem or provide adequate training.
He accused the BJP of spending large amounts on negative campaigning and damaging the image of opponents, claiming that it relies heavily on propaganda rather than governance.
Commenting on India's global standing amidst the conflict in West Asia, Yadav said the country has "missed an opportunity" to strengthen its position internationally due to the Centre's "wrong economic and diplomatic policies".
Hitting out at the state government over the rising human-animal conflict, he alleged that deforestation and illegal mining have forced wild animals out of forests, leading to attacks on people and farmers in the villages.
Several lives have been lost in districts like Sitapur, while the forest department remains inactive, he alleged.
On environmental issues, the SP chief alleged that major rivers in the state, including Ganga and Yamuna, are heavily polluted, with garbage accumulation and poor sanitation visible in many places.