New Delhi: All political parties are already gearing up in full force for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The Samajwadi Party (SP), having been out of power for two consecutive terms, has also commenced comprehensive preparations for the polls. SP chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav is continuously making new promises to the public in a bid to secure victory.
In this vein, Akhilesh Yadav has announced plans to accord due recognition to sportspersons and artists. The SP chief declared that if his party forms the government, a sum of ₹21 lakh would be provided to sportspersons and artists. This announcement, made ahead of the assembly elections, is being viewed as a move to woo the youth.
Sports-related decisions to be included in the manifesto – Akhilesh Yadav
Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav stated that all decisions reached during meetings regarding sports would be incorporated into the upcoming manifesto. He further remarked that the current budget allocated for sports is insufficient and that the overall sports infrastructure would be overhauled. “You are all aware of the Chief Minister’s own ‘games’,” he said, promising athletes that he would not allow their interests to be toyed with.
The SP chief mentioned watching a video where the CM was playing basketball but failing to get the ball into the hoop. “Had he taken a bulldozer along, perhaps the ball would have gone in, and he would have had an easier time,” he quipped. Akhilesh Yadav added that efforts would also be made to scout and nurture talent from rural areas.
What did Akhilesh say about Ravi Kishan’s viral video?
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also took a dig at the statement made by Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan Shukla. He retorted in Bhojpuri during a press conference, saying, “Now that I have become a member, the government will be formed.” He further alleged that BJP leaders who adopted villages had effectively abandoned them to an “orphan-like” state.
Regarding the situation in Gorakhpur, he remarked that it appeared to be an internal conflict. The Samajwadi Party might face the ‘Vahini’ in the upcoming elections. Speaking about Gorakhpur, Akhilesh Yadav remarked on the criticism directed at Saifai, suggesting that instead of criticising, they should have drawn inspiration from it and replicated or bettered the work done there. He reiterated a point he had made in the Lok Sabha: a village adopted under such schemes should not be left abandoned like an orphan. He questioned what the state could expect from a Chief Minister who failed to deliver results in his own village and city.
Questions Raised About the Election Commission
The SP chief also raised questions regarding the Election Commission. He noted that in 2017, they had not fully considered whether the Election Commission would remain impartial. He claimed that SP votes were deliberately deleted; however, having learned from that experience, they remained vigilant and succeeded in getting their MPs elected in 2024. He alleged that people were prevented from voting through intimidation—specifically by having revolvers pointed at them. He also mentioned hearing reports of vote theft in Noida.
