Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday hit out at the BJP, alleging that the ruling party’s priority is donations rather than the nation. Addressing a press conference at the SP headquarters here on his 53rd birthday, Akhilesh Yadav also announced that his party would soon roll out the 'PDA Swabhiman Sahyog' campaign through a QR code-based system.
Under the initiative, he said, supporters will be encouraged to contribute a minimum of Rs 20 to help strengthen the organisation. Targeting the BJP, he said: “The BJP is focused not on the nation but on donations. For them, it is not 'Nation First’ but ‘Donation First'."
He alleged that matters related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya had raised serious questions across the country and accused the ruling party of playing with people’s faith and sentiments. The SP chief further claimed that the government was attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues.
According to him, serious concerns such as examination paper leaks were being overshadowed by controversies surrounding political funding and other matters. He alleged that government agencies were being used against those who question the authorities.
Referring to repeated paper leak incidents, Akhilesh Yadav said they were adversely affecting the future of students from poor and middle-class families. He alleged that the weakening of the government school system had made students increasingly dependent on coaching institutes, while the government was also exerting pressure on such institutions.
He further remarked that the BJP’s "dictionary contains neither religion nor shame". Accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of disrespecting saints and neglecting public welfare, he said primary schools were being shut down, and even primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) in the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s home district were in poor condition.
Referring to the Ram Temple and the Constitution, Akhilesh Yadav said Lord Ram symbolises the ideals of Indian culture and the Sanatan tradition, while the Constitution represents the dignity and values of democracy. He accused the BJP of betraying religion, the Constitution, faith, and public trust.
The SP President asserted that Lord Ram would always remain the object of devotion for followers of the Sanatan tradition but alleged that the BJP was attempting to derive political benefits in his name. He added that the public was fully aware of these issues and would respond at the appropriate time.