Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav didn’t mince words when he slammed the BJP, dubbing it the Bharatiya Jumla Party. He condemned their habitual deceit, asserting that the BJP’s DNA is encoded with broken promises and shameless abandonment of commitments. Yadav boldly accused the Modi government of orchestrating schemes of extortion, culminating in the notorious electoral bonds, a testament to their unparalleled mastery of corruption.
In a no-holds-barred conversation with senior journalist Ravindra Ojha of The Interview World, Yadav didn’t pull punches. He demanded nothing short of the dissolution of institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), branding them as cesspools of political manipulation and abuse of power.
Without flinching, Yadav declared his unwavering allegiance to the INDIA bloc, vowing to spearhead their collective efforts with unyielding determination.
Q: With more than half of the election process completed, what indicators and methods are you using to gauge public sentiment?
A: Citizens are clamoring for change, their determination set on ousting the incumbent anti-people government. Since the ascent of the BJP, a palpable current of dissent courses through the electorate. Regrettably, the BJP appears oblivious to this groundswell. Its foremost inquiry should address the soaring inflation rates and the glaring absence of employment opportunities despite the much-vaunted ‘sabka vikash’ rhetoric. The youth stand poised to dismantle the deceitful rails upon which the BJP’s narrative travels.
When farmers articulated their grievances, the BJP responded not with listening ears but with barricades, road spikes, and the deployment of security forces, denigrating them as terrorists and miscreants. Tragically, 700 lives were lost before the BJP-led Centre finally rescinded the contentious agricultural laws.
BJP leaders incessantly resort to diversionary tactics, exemplified by Yogi Adityanath‘s divisive rhetoric.
In this electoral landscape, the singular concern of the populace is the defeat of the BJP. The INDIA bloc emerges as the sole viable alternative.
Q: What factors have contributed to the use of unfortunate language in the current election?
A: In our upbringing, we were instilled with the notion that resorting to coarse language is a sign of desperation in the face of potential defeat. This approach is being adopted by the BJP, reflecting a sense of surrender.
It falls within the purview of the Election Commission of India to vigilantly monitor such conduct. Both our Prime Minister Modi ji and Home Minister, Amit Shah ji, are esteemed individuals with sound education. They hold the responsibility to uphold decorum and establish a positive example.
However, recent statements made by leaders within their party, such as Raghvendra Pratap Singh from Domariyaganj, paint a starkly different picture. Singh’s insinuation that Hindus not supporting the BJP must have “Muslim blood” for electoral gain is deplorable.
The BJP leadership’s unabashed exploitation of Hindu-Muslim dynamics for electoral advantage is evident. Their actions contribute to the dangerous polarization along communal lines, perpetuating divisions within society.
Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric, openly suggesting the redistribution of Hindu properties to Muslims if the opposing bloc gains power, further exacerbates tensions and undermines the principles of secular governance.
Q: During your time out of power, what key lessons and insights have you gained?
A: I’ve discerned the strategy to counter the BJP. It’s evident that farmers, the underprivileged, youth, traders, and laborers hold sway as the ultimate arbiters of political outcomes. Any strategy devoid of their influence is bound to fail.
Here, within the confines of this office, I find myself in the presence of divine representations. Amidst the array of Yogi ji’s portraits, the figures of deities stand behind him. In essence, he presents his back to the divine. Such symbolism is inappropriate. Even divine forces align with our cause in this electoral contest.
Q: How would you describe the differences between yourself and your father, particularly in terms of accessibility and approachability?
A: As the son of my father, I inherently embrace his ideology. He dedicated himself to his cause during his era. Similarly, Netaji fervently advocated for the party’s advancement and empowerment.
Contrary to the false narratives propagated by the BJP and RSS, my accessibility remains unwavering. Recently, I stood for six consecutive hours, facilitating countless party workers to capture moments with me. Challenge me to name another leader, from any political faction, who has displayed such openness and commitment.
Q: Many opposition leaders, including yourself, have alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) selectively target opposition leaders. If the INDIA bloc forms the government at the center, how will your administration ensure the impartiality and effectiveness of these agencies?
A: The dissolution of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is imperative, given their redundancy. The CBI and ED should be shut down. In cases of fraud or malfeasance, the Income Tax Department is fully equipped to handle investigations. Hence, the necessity of the CBI is questionable. Moreover, each state possesses an anti-corruption department, which should be utilized when necessary.
The targeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political adversaries by these central agencies is conspicuous. They are utilized both for political maneuvering—whether in the formation or destabilization of governments. The failure of these investigative bodies to scrutinize the shortcomings of demonetization, including the methods used to launder black money, raises significant concerns.
Consequently, I propose the dissolution of the ED and CBI. I intend to present this proposal to the INDIA bloc for consideration.
Q: What evidence exists regarding the involvement of the BJP in financial transactions related to electoral bonds?
A: Indeed, the BJP introduced this scheme to extract funds through coercion. The issue surrounding electoral bonds has brought to light the BJP’s tactics of coercion. Additionally, the saffron party has been leveraging CBI and ED operations for the same purpose. The government has formulated strategies aimed at coercion. Moreover, the revelation of electoral bond dynamics underscores the unique and extensive nature of BJP’s coercive practices.
Q: How would you analyze the outcome of the 2024 elections?
A: The electoral prospects for the BJP appear dim. Despite assertions of securing over 400 seats, the current landscape suggests a struggle to even reach 200. This decline in support stems from perceived betrayal across societal strata. Mere rhetoric has replaced substantive action, leaving the electorate disillusioned. The populace is resolute in their intent to oust the Modi administration. Indeed, the INDIA bloc appears poised to assume governance.
