The Congress leader also accused the government of initially attacking demands raised by its opponents and later adopting them. He cited the caste census, claiming Modi had once dismissed the proposal as “urban Naxal” thinking before announcing a caste-based enumeration.
Yadav, meanwhile, attacked the BJP over its observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, alleging that the party treated Partition as a “cause for celebration”.
He accused the BJP and organisations associated with the Sangh of having contributed to Partition and urged people to remain vigilant against their politics. The country’s democratic strength, he said, depended on protecting and reinforcing the Constitution.
The SP chief also questioned the BJP’s association with the national flag, alleging that organisations ideologically aligned with it had historically failed to respect or hoist the tricolour.
“Their nationalism is monochromatic, whereas ours is multi-coloured. We believe in taking everyone along,” Yadav said, suggesting that the BJP should undertake a “tricolour in every mind” campaign to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive nationalism.
Turning to the economy, Yadav argued that the distribution of free foodgrain to crores of families contradicted official claims about rising per capita income. He also raised concerns over inflation, fuel prices, adulteration and what he described as the adverse economic consequences of the government’s foreign policy.
Yadav further alleged that India’s education system was deteriorating, claiming that 26,000 primary schools had closed in Uttar Pradesh and nearly one lakh across the country. Developed nations continued to prioritise education and healthcare, he said, while access to schools, treatment and medicines was weakening in India.
With agency inputs
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