In a scathing attack, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the delay in announcing its Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm within its cadre.
Speaking on Sunday, the former chief minister claimed that accepting a ticket from the ruling party amounted to joining a losing battle.
'Atmosphere of despondency among BJP cadre'
"Nobody wants to fight a losing battle. There is an atmosphere of despondency among the BJP cadre, and they have accepted defeat even before the polling process has commenced," said Akhilesh Yadav.
Taking to his official handle on X, the Samajwadi Party supremo cited a recent survey, claiming that 90 per cent of the state's backward classes, Dalits, and minorities would unite to vote for the PDA (Pichhde, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak).
"A recent survey has shown that 49 per cent of the state's backward classes, 16 per cent Dalits, 21 per cent minorities (Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Jains, and Tribals), and 4 per cent backward among the general population are with the PDA. They will vote unitedly for the PDA this time," declared Akhilesh Yadav.
The SP leader further asserted that the BJP was facing significant losses in the upcoming general elections, claiming, "All previous poll gambits of the BJP have failed this time, which is why the ruling party is struggling to come out with its list of Lok Sabha candidates for the state."
Akhilesh Yadav contended that disillusionment was growing among the youth, who had hoped for employment promises to be fulfilled by the BJP. He alleged that even within the BJP, many were planning to vote against the party's candidates. The recent political instability in Jharkhand and allegations of foul play in the Chandigarh mayoral polls were cited as examples of the BJP's questionable methods to gain power.
'Anti-BJP wave'
Claiming an 'anti-BJP wave' among farmers, Akhilesh Yadav said that false or failed promises to double farmers' income and provide fair prices for their produce, along with a lack of action on guarantees to protect crops from animals and control rising agricultural costs, have turned the farming community against the BJP.
"This government is driving hard-working professionals to penury by bringing anti-labour laws to favor their billionaire friends. The farmers and laborers have turned against the BJP," he added. Concluding his remarks, Akhilesh Yadav declared, "Amid the air of despondency all around and people ready to teach them a lesson, the BJP has already accepted defeat."
