Lucknow,

22 Feb (HS): Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, claimed on

Sunday that corruption and misgovernance had increased in Uttar Pradesh, and

that as problems worsen, the PDA would get stronger. Addressing a news

conference, Yadav questioned the BJP government's progress promises, saying,

We can't find development. Where is it? The pipes being built are

conduits of corruption. He claimed abnormalities in infrastructure projects,

such as water tanks exploding owing to poor quality construction and blatant

corruption on the ground.

Yadav

took a shot at Yogi's intended travel to Japan later this month, saying,

I have heard that chief minister is going to Japan but not to Kyoto. He

should go there and see what has to be done and what he hasn't been able to do

in the past ten years.”

After

gaining power in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared plans to turn

Varanasi into a Kyoto-style metropolis. Referring to the BJP-led Centre's

ambitious schemes, Yadav stated that the cost of the projected bullet train has

risen significantly from its initial estimate.

Without

identifying anybody, Yadav stated, Today, when he (the chief minister)

has flown out of India, we are making an offer—bring 100 MLAs and become the

chief minister. Both (the deputy chief ministers) have the same aim. The award

will go to whoever brings the numbers. The promotion is valid for a week. On

Sunday, Adityanath began a four-day journey to Singapore and Japan.

Yadav

also accused the BJP of fostering hate on social media by distributing bogus videos,

and said that in the past, attempts were made to create communal strife for

electoral benefit. He

further claimed that security coverings for opposition leaders are being

withdrawn as part of a deliberate effort to demoralize and disrespect them.

On

religious issues, Yadav chastised the state government for filing a FIR against

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. He said that Saraswati was

prohibited from taking a holy plunge during the Magh Mela, and that such

measures are unique in the country's religious traditions. The FIR against

Saraswati and his pupil, Mukundanand Brahmachari, was filed in Prayagraj on

claims of sexual assault of a youngster and another person throughout the

previous year, particularly during the Magh Mela.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi