Akhilesh hints at possible patch-up with uncle Shivpal’s party

VARANASI: Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav accused the state BJP government of deliberately stalling development projects launched for the development of Azamgarh during the rule of the Samajwadi Party government, on Monday. Yadav was on a two-day tour of his parliamentary constituency Azamgarh. The tour began on Sunday.

Interacting with the mediapersons at the residence of former transport minister Durga Yadav here, the SP chief said, “The BJP government discriminates against Azamgarh since it is my parliamentary constituency. The development projects started for the development of Azamgarh, during the rule of the Samajwadi Party, are being deliberately delayed and not being completed by the present government.”

He said that the Kala Bhavan here is still incomplete and work on the airstrip has not begun. As a result, the locals are facing inconvenience, he said.

Attacking the central government on the issue of farmers, Akhilesh said that the BJP had promised to double the income of farmers. It failed in doubling the income of farmers. He said that at least the MSP should be doubled. In response to a question regarding the SP’s strategy in assembly elections 2022, Akhilesh said, “This time there will be no alliance with big parties.”

Asked if SP will have a tie-up with Shivpal Yadav’s PSP, the SP president said, “Ye ghar ka mamla hai, baithkar apas me samajh lenge (This is a family matter, we will sit together and decide).” Asked for his reaction if the state government decides to change the name of Azamgarh, Akhilesh said, “We will change the name (of the person) who will try to change the name of Azamgarh.”

He said that the Poorvanchal expressway was a scheme planned during the rule of the Samajwadi Party government but Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation again. Old contracts were cancelled and the Yogi Adityanath government gave the construction contract to another company.

Akhilesh alleged that construction quality of the expressway was compromised in the name of reducing construction cost.