Lucknow, August 27: Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Manoj Pandey has sharply criticized the promise made by Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and his wife Dimple Yadav to provide financial assistance of ₹40,000 to women under the proposed ‘Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojana.’ He questioned why such initiatives were not announced when the Samajwadi Party was in power. Pandey accused the opposition of misleading the public with electoral promises and highlighted various welfare schemes initiated by both the central and state governments.
Pandey stated that if any political party intended to launch programs for women, it should have done so while in power. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, numerous schemes benefiting villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women are currently being implemented, with many people reaping the benefits. He pointed out that despite being in power for an extended period, the basic needs of women were often overlooked. Citing the example of sanitation and toilet construction, he noted that women were still forced to defecate in the open decades after independence. According to him, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has provided relief to women from this issue.
He also mentioned that the opposition raises questions about free rations for the poor, permanent housing, and various schemes for women. Pandey alleged that the opposition’s goal is not to oppose these initiatives but to hinder them.
Referring to the free bus service launched by the Uttar Pradesh government for women, Pandey remarked that the opposition is questioning its naming after Ahilyabai Holkar. He described Ahilyabai Holkar as a symbol of justice and good governance, asserting that there should be no objections to running a scheme in her name. He emphasized that the BJP government’s aim is to create a nation where every individual enjoys equal rights, the poor have access to food and housing, and government benefits reach even the most marginalized.
Pandey also discussed India’s economic and strategic status, stating that the country is establishing itself as one of the major economic powers globally and is rapidly progressing. He noted that the Indian Army’s actions in response to terrorist attacks reflect the changed strategic landscape of the nation. Furthermore, he accused the opposition of politicizing issues like ‘Vande Mataram,’ Sanatan, and farmers’ rights, asserting that no one should obstruct the ongoing efforts for national development.
When asked about Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘PDA’ politics, Pandey sarcastically suggested that the Samajwadi Party should first provide a clear and definitive explanation of ‘PDA.’ He remarked that different meanings have been attributed to this acronym over time. Those who failed to deliver justice regarding government jobs, reservations, and youth rights while in power are now discussing ‘PDA.’ The rights of backward and marginalized communities, including Kumhar, Kahar, Patel, Pal, Nishad, Kewat, Mallah, Paswan, and Gautam, are significant issues.
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