Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 10 (ANI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government had denied permission for a party rally in Bulandshahr, saying, “Why is the government so terrified of democratic political programs?” and alleging suppression of the Opposition.
Addressing a press conference, Yadav said the SP’s local leadership had repeatedly approached the District Magistrate and other administrative officials seeking permission for the programme. He alleged that while the administration initially assured the party that permission for the rally ground would be granted, officials later cited the ongoing Sawan season and asked the party to reschedule the event.
“We adjusted our schedule and submitted a new date. However, even after rescheduling, the administration denied permission for the ground,” Yadav said.
He further alleged that permission for his helicopter to land at the Reserve Police Lines ground was also denied, with officials citing severe waterlogging at the site. Yadav questioned the administration’s claim and said he had asked party workers to provide photographs and videos of the purportedly waterlogged helipad.
“Please look at this video showing the ‘waterlogging.’ Is this waterlogged? You would think one needed a boat to navigate it!” he said, while displaying visuals during the press conference.
Yadav alleged that the government was attempting to suppress democratic political activity and criticised its alleged action against journalists and Opposition workers.
“Why is the government so terrified of democratic political programs? In a democracy, such blatant suppression of rights has rarely been seen,” he said.
He alleged that journalists reporting on issues faced by people were being targeted with FIRs and punitive action, while media personnel had also been restricted from entering government schools. Yadav also referred to an incident on Teacher’s Day, alleging that SP workers who went to honour teachers and discuss student welfare faced police deployment and that the media was prevented from filming inside school premises.
“The government is on its way out, and that is a resolve we all share,” he said.
The SP chief also spoke about the party’s prospects in Lakhimpur Kheri, saying workers would work towards securing victory across all Assembly segments in the district in the upcoming elections. He alleged that successive promises on flood control, river embankments and construction of ghats had not been fulfilled by the BJP government.
Yadav promised that an SP government would prioritise flood control and infrastructure development in the district, including construction of the Panchpedi Ghat bridge and river ghats. He also proposed improving connectivity around Dudhwa National Park and the forests of Pilibhit through all-weather expressways to promote eco-tourism while protecting forests and wildlife.
Yadav further criticised the government over economic inequality and cited a recent incident in Jhansi involving a man who allegedly had to carry his deceased wife’s body after she died in a government hospital.
Questioning the benefits of high GDP growth figures for ordinary citizens, Yadav said, “What meaning does this GDP hold for a poor citizen who cannot even afford a dignified funeral for his deceased spouse?” (ANI)
“Why is Govt terrified of Democratic programmes?”: Akhilesh Yadav alleges SP rally denied permission in Bulandshahr
