Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday extended unequivocal support to the Government of India and the armed forces in their fight against terrorism, emphasising that national security should be above politics.
“We are with the Government of India and our army in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism must be eradicated. Whatever policy the Government adopts to eliminate terrorism, we will support it,” Yadav said while speaking to reporters.
He also cautioned political parties against exploiting national security issues for electoral gains. “No party should take political advantage of this situation. Terrorism must be completely destroyed. Our borders must be secure and the morale of our army must remain high. This is our collective responsibility,” he added. Yadav’s remarks come a day after Indian forces, as part of the ongoing Operation Sindoor, carried out decisive air strikes in Pakistan, destroying key components of the neighboring country’s air defense system.
However, while standing with the Centre on the issue of terrorism, the SP leader did not hold back from criticising the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on domestic issues.
He accused the BJP of neglecting employment and reservation matters, especially those affecting marginalised communities. “Jobs and reservation are not even on the BJP’s agenda. Instead of offering respectable employment opportunities, they are pushing the youth into gig economy roles like delivery boys. They promised affordable education, but under the guise of privatisation, they are taking away both education and employment from our PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) families,” Yadav said. Raising concerns about the increasing push for privatisation in the education sector, he said, “Universities are being privatised. If foreign universities are allowed to set up here, education will become even more expensive. Those who wear black glasses cannot see the light of truth — they are blinded by the illusion of a trillion-dollar dream sold to Uttar Pradesh.”
On the upcoming elections, Yadav said the contest will be between Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a united opposition. “This time, it will be Yogi versus the rest. Educated citizens and those seeking change want to remove this government. Word is that as elections draw near, even ministers are becoming disillusioned and are beginning to speak out. That’s why the Government is busy managing its own ministers,” he said.
Yadav’s comments signal a dual-pronged strategy — standing
with the nation on matters of security while sharpening his attack on the BJP’s Governance model ahead of crucial elections.