Lucknow, April 2 Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP on Thursday of attempting to influence elections in various states in collusion with the Election Commission (EC) and asserted that his party is preparing to counter such "conspiracies" to establish a "PDA government" in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference here after meeting party cadres, Yadav said the members of the SP have reiterated their commitment to strengthening the "PDA" (Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities) agenda.
"These organisational members have done remarkable work earlier. In 2024, all these colleagues together raised the voice of PDA and carried forward the fight for social justice with public support," he said.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the SP is moving ahead with a resolve to form a government in the state based on the PDA framework.
"We are determined that in the coming times, together, we will form a PDA government and establish social justice at the state level," he said.
Yadav claimed that once elections in other states conclude, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers would shift their focus to Uttar Pradesh.
"It is in our knowledge that as soon as elections in other states end, the entire BJP machinery will move towards Uttar Pradesh. We are closely observing how the EC and the BJP are working together in the states where elections are underway," he said.
Asking the SP workers to remain vigilant, Yadav said, "Stay alert, understand their conspiracies and work on the ground to ensure that a progressive Samajwadi government is formed in Uttar Pradesh."
Hitting out at the BJP government, he said, "It has failed to bring 'acche din' (good days), but the public has now realised that their bad days are about to end."
Referring to developments in West Bengal, Yadav questioned the move to transfer senior officials ahead of elections. "When elections are announced, officials are expected to follow the EC's directives. In West Bengal, many top officials, including the chief secretary and the director general of police, have been removed," he said.
"If any untoward incident happens, the EC also becomes responsible. Our question is -- during the last Uttar Pradesh election, were so many officials removed despite repeated complaints from the Samajwadi Party?" he asked, alleging that officials had then acted as "agents of the BJP" but no action was taken against them.
Many top administrative and police officials, including the chief secretary and the DGP, were transferred in West Bengal after the poll dates were announced for the state.
Yadav claimed that even officials are disillusioned.
"Many officers are unhappy due to corruption in the BJP. They are under pressure and did not get justice despite the work taken from them (by the ruling party)," he said.
Alleging financial irregularities, Yadav said, "We are hearing that fake currency is circulating within the country while real money is going outside. Wherever wrong activities are happening in Uttar Pradesh, BJP people are involved."
Referring to a recent kidney-related case in Kanpur, the former chief minister alleged BJP links to it, though he did not provide specific details.
On farmers' issues, Yadav said the BJP has failed to fulfil its promise of doubling their income.
"With rising costs of diesel, petrol, fertilisers and seeds, farmers are struggling. No expectations can be placed on the BJP, especially by farmers," he said.
"The Samajwadi Party can ensure better compensation and fair prices for farmers' produce in the future," he asserted.
Commenting on the party's recent political rally in Dadri, Yadav claimed that the BJP appeared rattled after witnessing the public support for the SP.
"After the rally in Dadri, the language of the government has changed. The support there has shaken the BJP," he said.
Yadav also accused the ruling party of attempting to claim credit for projects initiated during the SP's tenure in Uttar Pradesh.
"They have started saying that they introduced the metro, whereas the public knows the truth," he said.
Taking a dig on the recovery of "ganja" (cannabis) in various parts of the state, Yadav said, "Since they came to power, illegal activities have increased. There is so much smoke now that it seems even streaming platforms may start making series on it."
Reiterating the SP's commitment, Yadav said the party would continue to work at the grassroots level to ensure a change in government in Uttar Pradesh.