CM Yogi lambasts Samajwadi Party over nepotism, poor governance at Akhilesh’s turf

Etawah (UP), Jul 26: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday hit out at Akhilesh Yadav at his political turf, Etawah, alleging that the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government was responsible for tarnishing the district's image through nepotism and poor governance. He asserted that Etawah no longer suffers from an identity crisis, as it was the BJP that had transformed Uttar Pradesh's law-and-order situation and the development trajectory. Etawah is considered a bastion of the Samajwadi Party and the political home turf of the Yadav family. He made his remarks at a function after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 128 development projects worth around Rs 604 crore for the Etawah, Jaswantnagar and Bharthana Assembly constituencies and distributing certificates to beneficiaries of various government schemes. "Now the name of Etawah is no longer associated with fear and dominance. The youth of Etawah no longer face an identity crisis. Wherever they go in Uttar Pradesh or the country, they receive the same respect as people from any other district. The double-engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given you this new identity," he said. The chief minister termed the development projects as a "gift" for the district. "I am pleased to dedicate 128 development projects worth Rs 604 crore to the people of Etawah. I heartily congratulate all the residents of the district," he said. Without naming the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath alleged that leaders elected from Etawah were responsible for damaging the district's reputation. "It was none other than those elected from Etawah who created an identity crisis for the district. There was so much fear that people from Etawah could not get rooms in hotels or accommodation in dharamshalas in different parts of the country. There was no investment because people used to ask – If we ourselves are not safe, how will our capital remain safe?” Claiming that the BJP government adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy against crime after coming to power in 2017, he said, "We resolved to work with zero tolerance against crime and criminals, to break the backbone of organised crime and to reduce the mafia to dust. The BJP has done what it promised." Adityanath alleged that previous governments had turned Uttar Pradesh into a hub of organised crime and associated the state's image with "disorder, riots, curfews, and violence". "Today there is no unrest, anarchy or hooliganism in Uttar Pradesh. Instead of 'One District, One Mafia', we now have 'One District, One Medical College', 'One District, One Product', and 'One District, One Cuisine.'” “There are no riots, no curfews. Uttar Pradesh is celebrating festivals and everything is well. This is the story of a new Uttar Pradesh," he said. Targeting the SP leadership, the chief minister said the late Mulayam Singh Yadav had initially worked while remaining connected to the grassroots but alleged that his legacy was later overtaken by "the Saifai syndicate", a reference to the native village of Yadav. "Mulayam Singh ji had tried to work while staying connected to the people. But later, the Saifai syndicate wrapped his entire campaign in the web of dynasty politics and nepotism. Whenever government jobs were announced, the syndicate would dominate the process, and the youth here would keep watching," he alleged. He also accused previous governments of diverting development funds and welfare benefits. "Funds for development existed earlier as well, but they were under the control of a syndicate. They would not allow roads, bridges, ITIs, polytechnics, or educational institutions to be built. In the name of development, there was only loot," he said, alleging that food grain meant for the poor and benefits under welfare schemes were cornered by a handful of people. Adityanath said the BJP government had expanded cashless healthcare and ensured transparent recruitment. "We have extended Rs 5 lakh cashless health cover to teachers and non-teaching staff of higher educational institutions. Around 10 crore people in the state are already benefiting from government health insurance schemes," he said. "The youth earlier had to struggle for jobs because the syndicate controlled recruitment. Jobs were sold and were not given on merit. Today, when I distribute appointment letters and see young people from Etawah receiving them on merit, it gives me immense satisfaction," he added. The chief minister also accused the "Saifai syndicate" of being closely linked to criminals. "The Saifai syndicate could never have made such announcements because the goons were all associated with them. They did it, but Etawah was defamed. Mainpuri was defamed. The people of these districts had to bear the stigma for the deeds of others," he said. Highlighting development works, Adityanath alleged that projects initiated during the previous SP government had remained incomplete. "Late Mulayam Singh ji had decided to establish a rural medical institute in Saifai. Akhilesh ji was chief minister for five years, but he did not have the time to take the project forward. We completed the 500-bed super-speciality block with an investment of Rs 490 crore and built a 300-bed gynaecology block at a cost of Rs 223 crore," he said. Calling Uttar Pradesh the "growth engine" of India's economy, Adityanath said the state had moved "from the bottom three to the top three" and asserted that every district had an equal role in its development. "There is no discrimination. The development of all 75 districts is equally important for me," he said. Making a political appeal, Adityanath urged people to strengthen the BJP and reject what he repeatedly described as the "Saifai syndicate". "I have come to seek your support so that we can improve the present and secure a brighter future for the coming generations. Free yourselves from the Saifai syndicate, join the process of development and honour your heritage. Future generations will remember you with respect," he said.