Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav endorsed Yogi Adityanath government’s decision to give provide pension to sadhus (seers) who were above 60 years of age.
He demanded that each old sadhu be given a monthly pension of at least Rs 20,000.
“We want the restoration of Rs 50,000 per month pension to Yash Bharti awardees and also the Samajwadi pension. Pension should also be given to those reciting Ramayana and those performing the roles of Ram, Lakshman and Sita in Ramlilas. If some money is left, then those playing the role of Ravana can also be given pension,” Akhilesh said at a press conference in Lucknow on Monday.
Welcoming the Union government’s move to open Akbar’s Fort on the bank of Yamuna river in Allahabad thereby enabling people to have a ‘darshan’ of Akshayvat, the SP chief said that the Centre should transfer ownership of the fort to UP government.
Reiterating his demand for the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in election, Akhilesh said, “People want restoration of ballot papers instead of EVMs as they want to vent their anger by stamping on ballot papers.”
Amid chants of ‘Jai Akhilesh ‘ and Bahujan Samaj Party slogan ‘Jai Bhim’ by members of Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, the SP chief reaffirmed that the BSP-SP alliance had been stamped and talks for identifying seats had been completed.
“There is no confusion within the cadres of both parties. Now the people have decided to elect a new prime minister. The coordination between SP and BSP workers is spirited, as can be witnessed with the raising of the slogan of BSP by our workers,” he said.
On the question of leadership of the joint opposition, Akhilesh said, “As far as leadership is concerned, it is actually the people who will decide it. You will see in near future how many options we have,” he told the media persons.
“But one thing is clear — that the country is waiting for a new prime minister. If the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is so concerned about us, has a new prime minister they should tell the people,” Akhilesh said.
On Mulayam Singh Yadav, he chief said, “SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav will be fielded from the seat of his choice.”
On the controversy over BJP MLA Sadhana Singh’s derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati, Akhilesh said the language being used by the ruling party leaders reflected their frustration.
On Pravasi Bharatiya Divas being organised in Varanasi from Monday, the SP chief said, “Since the last so many years, we are waiting for the NRIs to invest in the state. May be those coming here will have a change of heart after visiting Kumbh Mela and taking a dip in the Ganga. Some policies, decisions and confidence were required for making those sitting on the dais of Pravasi Diwas function invest in the state.”
“Thoko (shoot and kill) policy will neither bring order nor confidence. I will ask them to use Agra-Lucknow Expressway during their return journey so that they (NRIs) may know who has worked and who has betrayed the people,” Akhilesh said.
Meanwhile, Pichhara Samaj Swabhiman Party led by VK Singh Yadav announced to merge with the SP on Monday.