Lucknow: Om Prakash Rajbhar launched a sharp political attack on Akhilesh Yadav during a public interaction in Ghazipur, alleging that the Samajwadi Party chief privately meets senior BJP leaders to protect himself from legal action linked to the alleged mining scam cases.
The Uttar Pradesh minister claimed that while Akhilesh Yadav publicly criticises the Bharatiya Janata Party during the day, he allegedly maintains cordial relations with top BJP leaders behind closed doors.
Rajbhar said Akhilesh remains outside prison despite allegations linked to mining irregularities because he allegedly visits senior BJP leadership, including Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath, in private meetings. He claimed these interactions were aimed at ensuring political survival while continuing public opposition rhetoric.
The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief also referred to former Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati, who has faced imprisonment in connection with mining-related allegations, and questioned why Akhilesh Yadav had not faced similar consequences despite his name allegedly surfacing in discussions surrounding the controversy.
Continuing his criticism, Rajbhar mocked Akhilesh Yadav’s lifestyle and political functioning, saying the Samajwadi Party leader wakes up late in the day, relies heavily on social media and press conferences, and attempts to create political narratives without grassroots engagement.
He also questioned the source of the Samajwadi Party leader’s financial resources, alleging that Akhilesh Yadav had no industrial or business background despite leading an affluent lifestyle. Rajbhar accused the former chief minister of benefiting from wealth accumulated during his tenure in power.
Taking aim at the opposition alliance slogan “PDA,” Rajbhar sarcastically claimed it stood for “Parivar Development Authority,” alleging that the Samajwadi Party primarily serves family interests rather than broader public welfare.
Responding to criticism surrounding possible cabinet expansion and political defections, Rajbhar accused the Samajwadi Party of double standards. He pointed out that several former BSP leaders and ministers had joined the Samajwadi Party in the past, arguing that political migration is accepted when it benefits Akhilesh Yadav but criticised when leaders leave his party.
Rajbhar also commented on national political developments, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens amid ongoing global tensions and regional instability. He stated that neighbouring countries often face indirect consequences during international conflicts and said the Prime Minister’s call for public awareness was justified.
On the political situation in Kerala, Rajbhar said internal disagreements within the Congress party were delaying leadership decisions, adding that coalition politics often creates friction over chief ministerial positions.
He further reacted to remarks made by Shashi Tharoor regarding election dynamics in West Bengal. Rajbhar claimed voters had grown frustrated with the governance style of regional parties and supported the BJP due to concerns over law and order, corruption and political violence.
The remarks are expected to intensify the ongoing political war of words between the ruling alliance in Uttar Pradesh and the opposition Samajwadi Party ahead of upcoming electoral battles in the state.
