Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, believes that a significant portion of marginalized communities including backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, will come together to support his party’s PDA agenda in the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh. He predicts that this united front will challenge the traditional calculations and strategies of the ruling BJP, potentially altering the political landscape in the state.
Speaking at a rally in Malihabad to support his party’s candidates RK Chaudhary and Ravidas Mehrotra, Akhilesh highlighted the unique aspect of the upcoming elections. He emphasized that ordinary people are actively participating in the electoral process, signaling a shift in power dynamics. Akhilesh noted the determination of the ‘bahujan samaj’ and PDA to challenge those who seek to alter the Constitution.
Accusing the BJP of undermining reservation in government jobs, Akhilesh Yadav highlighted concerns over the privatization of public sector units, which, he argued, has led to a disregard for the constitutional provisions on job reservations. He pointed out the privatization of various sectors like airports, railways, shipyards, and government companies, expressing disapproval of temporary recruitment schemes such as the Agniveer program for army personnel. Akhilesh emphasized the need for permanent solutions that honor and respect the service of jawans, both during their active duty and in the event of sacrifice. He pledged to scrap the Agniveer scheme and ensure the provision of permanent services for army personnel once the INDIA bloc government is established.
Akhilesh Yadav expressed concern about the government’s approach of hiring individuals on a contractual basis as a means to gradually phase out reservation policies. He warned that if the BJP were to win another term, it might lead to the complete elimination of permanent government positions, with jobs being outsourced to circumvent reservation requirements. Akhilesh even speculated about the potential privatization of critical sectors like the police department, raising the alarming prospect of corporate involvement in essential public services.
Akhilesh Yadav shared a post in Hindi on X (formerly known as Twitter) platform, presenting survey results on the perception of the PDA alliance. According to the survey, approximately 90% of respondents expressed confidence in PDA, with breakdowns indicating that 49% of backward individuals, 16% of Dalits, 21% of minorities (including Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Jains, others, and tribals), and 4% of backward individuals from upper castes have faith in the alliance. These percentages encompass both genders. Akhilesh believes that the majority of these respondents who have faith in PDA will unite to support the alliance in the upcoming elections.