Lucknow, March 18 Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of conspiring to defame his party on Wednesday, saying that its supporters were actively spreading misinformation.
He asserted that, however, the Samajwadi Party is fully prepared to face the challenges posed by the BJP, and the people of Uttar Pradesh are also set to bring his party to power in 2027.
Addressing a 'Digital Democracy Dialogue' at the Samajwadi Party headquarters here, Yadav remarked, "The BJP is not a political party but a gang".
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said democracy is facing serious threats under the prevailing circumstances, emphasising that dialogue and social harmony are essential for its proper functioning.
"Citizens are in crisis. In today's politics, a positive direction can only be achieved through the PDA path. Any campaign without positive thinking or a clear ideology becomes directionless," he said. PDA refers to an acronym coined by Yadav for "Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak", or the Backwards, Dalits and Minorities.
Highlighting the country's ideological foundations, Yadav said socialism was rooted in social values and positive thinking strengthened commitment. "Movements and principles have historically shaped the direction of society and the nation," he said.
Targeting the BJP, he said it is misusing the government and administration to create challenges for the Samajwadi Party, and people are experiencing frustration and disappointment due to this.
The BJP relies on "lies and rumours", Yadav said, urging his party workers to counter misinformation with facts.
"Samajwadis stand with everyone and strongly oppose falsehood. This fight should be seen as a larger battle," he said.
He urged the party's rank and file to maintain simplicity in their behaviour and language, remain disciplined and avoid provoking others.
The Samajwadi Party is committed to its principles and will not compromise on them, he reiterated.
Yadav further said the previous Samajwadi Party government had distributed laptops to promote social equality and open new avenues of development for youth, but the BJP is using digital devices for its own interests.
He asked the party workers to remain cautious of "the BJP's propaganda machinery".