Lucknow | Samajwadi Party national president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP government, accusing it of gross mismanagement and failure in handling the ongoing flood crisis affecting large parts of the state.
Yadav said that despite the grave situation caused by flooding in nearly two dozen districts—including Prayagraj and Varanasi—the government has failed to provide essential relief and rescue operations. “If the BJP can organize grand ‘super VVIP’ rallies, why is it unable to organize timely flood relief efforts?” he questioned.
He painted a grim picture of the current crisis: streets submerged in water, boats navigating urban lanes, food and drinking water shortages, and collapsed healthcare services. Vulnerable groups—sick individuals, pregnant women, children, and the elderly—have been left to suffer without access to treatment. Schools remain closed and children’s education stands disrupted, worsened by recent school mergers.
“There is no electricity in flooded areas. People are living on upper floors fearing building collapses, their belongings are underwater, and they have no clothes, charged phones, or communication with the outside world,” he said. He criticized the much-hyped Team-11 formed by the CM, calling it ineffective, and accused ministers of indulging in tokenism and photo-ops instead of real relief.
Yadav also lambasted the Smart City projects in Prayagraj and Varanasi, alleging that over ₹20,000 crore has been squandered with little to show—only potholes and waterlogging remain.
He further warned of post-flood epidemics, with stagnant water bringing filth and disease. Daily-wage earners, he said, are unable to work, farmers’ crops lie devastated, and shops have suffered crores in losses. Important documents like ration cards, property papers, and education certificates have been ruined or lost. Vehicles have been submerged, and livelihoods in riverbank communities are under severe threat, he added.
Highlighting the denial of education and dignity in death, Yadav said, “Even funerals are being delayed. People are furious. The administration is missing, while the government focuses solely on publicity.”
The SP chief demanded that the BJP government issue a public response addressing each concern point-by-point, saying, “How long will citizens be forced to suffer in silence? These flood scenes reflect devastation, not development. Only after this government is gone will there be genuine improvement in urban infrastructure and people’s lives.”
