Akhilesh Yadav Blasts BJP for 'Negative Politics,' Alleges Ruin of Small Businesses

Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments at both the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, alleging a deliberate promotion of 'negative politics' and a systemic weakening of institutions. Yadav claims that the BJP has failed to tackle pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, crime, and repeated paper leaks, which he argues have severely impacted ordinary citizens.

Speaking at the party's 'Vision India Conclave' in Lucknow, themed 'Why Small Businesses Are Being Ruined,' Yadav asserted that small traders and entrepreneurs, who form the bedrock of Uttar Pradesh's economy and connect with nearly six crore people, are being deliberately pushed into distress. He accused the current government of weakening these vital businesses instead of providing them with necessary support.

Yadav's critique extends to the BJP's broader economic strategies, which he labeled as 'commission-driven' and detrimental to India's industries, fostering an increased reliance on foreign companies. He lamented that no Indian firm now features among the world's top 100 companies, attributing this to the BJP's 'corrupt economic policies.' He specifically targeted the impact on sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, IT, banking, MSMEs, textiles, healthcare, and services, claiming they have been pushed to the brink of ruin.

The SP chief highlighted several specific policy failures and their repercussions. He pointed to the continuous rise in prices of essential commodities, diesel, and other fuels, stating that these increasing costs burden households and businesses alike. Yadav also criticized the state government's decision to raise electricity charges and alleged that the installation of smart meters serves as a mechanism to extract more money from consumers.

Furthermore, Yadav accused the BJP of creating a monopoly that favors a select group of billionaires and large corporations at the expense of small traders and entrepreneurs. He cited policy failures and the rise of online platforms as factors severely affecting small shopkeepers. In the jewellery sector, he alleged that increased gold import duties and 'sonabandi' (advisory not to purchase gold) calls have created anxiety, pushing small-scale jewellers towards economic distress while benefiting large corporate chains.

Yadav also drew attention to governance issues, stating that public education and healthcare systems have weakened under BJP rule, with a decline in government primary schools and dysfunctional health centers. He alleged a rise in atrocities against Dalits and crimes against women, referencing NCRB data, and decried repeated paper leaks as a denial of fair employment opportunities for youth.

In response to these perceived failures, Akhilesh Yadav unveiled an economic roadmap for the Samajwadi Party. This plan focuses on revitalizing traders, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and tourism. He promised initiatives such as an IT city in Agra, a Yamuna riverfront, improved tourism infrastructure, and an international convention center. He also proposed a dedicated MSME policy, a Leather Development Board in Agra, and a Glass Research Centre in Firozabad.

Looking ahead, Yadav framed the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections as a referendum on prices, power bills, and public trust, urging party workers to unite and work towards removing the BJP from power to restore development and improve public services. He also demanded timely support and relief for small, medium, and micro-scale industries to prevent the unemployment situation from worsening. The SP chief has consistently maintained that if the BJP is removed from power, trade will return.