On the last day of the Monsoon Session as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav fervently appealed members to shun caste and religion and vote for development, the Vidhan Sabha floor turned into a podium with leaders of different parties claiming that they would form the next government.
The CM initiated this war of claims and counter claims when he said that he would present his sixth budget next year.
“The Samajwadi Party had a dream in 2012 and it fulfilled the same in the next five years. I am sure people will vote us back to power and we will return in the same number as we are now present in the House,” Yadav said as members of Treasury benches thumped their desk in approval.
The counter to the CM first came from the BSP when leader of Opposition Gayacharan Dinkar said that voters were supreme and were the best judge. leader of BJP legislature party Suresh Khanna was more lucid as he said that the trend suggests that the SP will be voted out and the BJP will form the next government.
Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Mathur threw a spanner in the BJP’s claim and said that all secular parties will unite against communal forces. “Hear me out carefully – the Congress will form the next government and the Assembly result will surprise you all,” he said.
The icing on the cake came from RlD leader Dalvir Singh who said, “There are many claims as to who will form the next government but believe me, no one will be able to form government without the help of the RlD.”
Amidst the claims and counter claims, ‘development’ remained the core word in the address of the leaders.
Even the CM spoke at length on the topic. “Caste and other issues may influence social life and also impact elections too, yet development remains the core issue. We realized the importance of good roads and uninterrupted power therefore we worked on improving the infrastructure. This has kindled a hope among investors too. Just six months are left for this government, yet investors are keen to invest in UP as they know that the SP is coming back to power,” he said.
“There are many issues I wanted to work on but could not focus. My government has been able to control corruption in government working due to introduction of technology. We distributed laptops despite opposition from my party leaders. But this has emerged as our numero uno scheme. Every one, including members from the Opposition have hailed this. We have not looked back ever since,” CM said.
Yadav said his government could have done better had it got the support from the Centre. Taking a jibe at the BJP, he said that some parties promised ‘achche din’ and ‘return of black money’ but did nothing. “On the other hand, the SP regime fulfilled all its promises,” he said.
“We are ready for the contest of ballots. I will request the Election Commission that the elections be held in pleasant weather. `Tabhi to ladai ka maaza hai’,” he said.
Yadav thanked the members and Assembly officials for their co-operation and announced hike in the allowances of the security personnel of the Assembly.