Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP on Demonetizations Anniversary, Predicts Major Electoral Shift in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : The national president of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, launched a fierce critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the tenth anniversary of demonetization. Speaking at the party headquarters in Lucknow, he described the policy as a “sea of corruption,” asserting that it devastated the economy and harmed both small businesses and the general public like a slow poison.

Yadav claimed that demonetization would now lead to “vote-banding” for the BJP. He predicted that the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh would not see a division of 80-20 or 20-80, but rather a stark 95-5 in favor of his party, leaving the BJP unaware of its impending defeat. He criticized the central government’s grand promises made during demonetization, stating that none of them materialized. Today, he noted, cash circulation has surged to about 70 percent.

He highlighted that many factories, both large and small, were shuttered due to demonetization, and numerous industries have yet to recover from the fallout. Yadav emphasized that the economic decisions made by the BJP government have severely impacted ordinary citizens and businesses alike. He questioned the banking system’s integrity, accusing it of penalizing account holders rather than serving them. He remarked that the banking system has become more dangerous than loan sharks.

Yadav also referenced the story of a child born in a bank queue during demonetization, whom he humorously named “Khajanchi.” He noted that this child, now ten years old, has yet to have his birthday celebrated by the BJP. He suggested that the party should adopt Khajanchi, but not in the same way its leaders have “adopted” villages. The care and education of Khajanchi continue to be handled by the Samajwadi family. He quipped that the ₹2,000 note was born alongside Khajanchi, and the child often wonders about the fate of his fellow note.

Challenging the BJP’s vision for a developed India by 2047, Yadav argued that decisions like demonetization have pushed the economy backward. He invited BJP leaders to engage in an open debate if they believed his claims were unfounded.

Addressing concerns about the special revision of the electoral rolls, he criticized the government over the potential removal of approximately 1.27 crore voters. Yadav pointed out the irony of news reports about the seizure of ₹1.27 crore worth of cannabis while simultaneously discussing voter deletions.

To ensure transparency in the electoral rolls, he proposed issuing robust metal voter cards and linking them to Aadhaar. He suggested implementing biometric verification during voting, given the availability of biometric machines in every village council.

Yadav accused the BJP of distracting from critical issues and merely engaging in copy-paste politics. He also condemned the state government’s handling of law and order, asserting that corruption is rampant in Uttar Pradesh. He noted that despite the government’s promises, crimes against women have continued unabated since the Hathras incident, with increasingly distressing cases emerging.

He claimed that public trust in the Uttar Pradesh police is waning, citing past criticisms from the Supreme Court and High Court regarding police conduct. He alleged that false cases are being filed against Samajwadi Party leaders. Yadav expressed confidence that the people of Uttar Pradesh are rallying behind his party and predicted a significant defeat for the BJP in the upcoming elections, which he believes will alter the political landscape of the state.