Questioning the tendency of political parties to field “outsiders” in elections Akhilesh Yadav said it was against the ethics of democracy as these so-called leaders do not have any bonding with people of their constituencies and they do not understand the local problems.
“It is a new trend among the parties to field people in particular region without any political base. It is degradation of democratic ethics and is a threat to Indian democracy,’’ Yadav said while addressing reporters here on Tuesday.
His answer was aimed at BJP’s decision to field cine star and its Rajya Sabha member Smriti Irani from Amethi against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. The Samajwadi Party has decided not to field candidates against Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareilly.
“lok Sabha member develops a family bond with the people of that region. But the new trend of parachute landing of leaders is detrimental to this age-old practice. Some parties field candidates just to make election interesting,” he said.
He reiterated that SP will not field candidate against Rahul and Sonia “because of political ethics.”
Talking about his party’s chances in this election he said that the party has made inroads in the minds and hearts of the people. They have seen performance of our Government. We have achieved in just two years which no other party can do in five years.
“The only area of concern is booth. If we are able to manage our booths well no body can stop Samajwadi Party from sweeping next lok Sabha elections,” he said.
When asked about the his chacha Amar Singh with whom party is running a feud Yadav said there was no dispute RlD candidate from Fatehpur Sikri. ‘’ He is my uncle and there is no dispute with him,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party received a shot in its arm when BJP’s Agra Mayor Indrajeet Arya, former MP of BJP from Fatehpur Ashok Patel and former BSP minister Sanjay Garg joined the party in presence of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.