Lucknow: On the death anniversary of socialist thinker Dr. Janeshwar Mishra, popularly known as “Chhote Lohia,” Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav paid tribute at Janeshwar Mishra Park on Thursday. Addressing the media on the occasion, Yadav launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state government and said that the Samajwadi Party would stand united in defence of the honour and dignity of saints.
Referring to an alleged incident of mistreatment of saints during the Prayagraj Magh Mela, Akhilesh Yadav said that any insult to saints would not be tolerated. “If even a single saint is disrespected, the Samajwadi Party will stand with them and fight for their honour,” he asserted.
SP to Carry Forward PDA Movement
Akhilesh Yadav said that the Samajwadi Party is committed to taking forward the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) movement. He recalled the ideals and struggles of Dr. Janeshwar Mishra and said the party is determined to strengthen the socialist movement by following those principles.
Raising questions over governance, the SP chief also targeted the government over the death of an engineer in Noida. He alleged that despite the incident, the administrative machinery failed to act in time to save the victim’s life. He claimed that action was delayed for hours on the pretext that the water was too cold, calling it a sign of administrative insensitivity. Akhilesh demanded that the government clarify what concrete steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Commenting on the transfer of a judge who ordered registration of a case against a Circle Officer and others in the Sambhal matter, Akhilesh Yadav said, “Truth cannot be transferred.”
‘Government Afraid of the Truth’
The SP president accused the government of being afraid of the truth coming out. He said that in the present times, capitalist forces are becoming increasingly dominant, making it even more important for socialists to strengthen the movement by promoting the ideas of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Janeshwar Mishra and Netaji Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Akhilesh Yadav also took a swipe at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, making remarks about his public appearance during yoga, and criticised the BJP’s political approach. He said that Sanatan Dharma is a path of truth, justice and harmony, which teaches people to move forward together while respecting saints and revered figures and seeking their guidance.
Remarks on Satua Baba and Deputy CM
When asked about Satua Baba, Akhilesh Yadav said he did not know him personally, adding that even during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had only seen him. He appealed to saints not to be provoked by the government.
Responding to a statement by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the Deputy CM should “apologise respectfully,” adding a sarcastic comment that leaders in the current government often face reprimands within their own administration.
The event concluded with party leaders and workers reiterating their commitment to socialist values and the legacy of Dr. Janeshwar Mishra.
