A prominent voice from the Samajwadi Party has thrown its weight behind Akhilesh Yadav to lead the INDIA opposition alliance, predicting it would render the bloc unbeatable. Ravidass Mehrotra, in an interview with IANS from Lucknow, painted a vivid picture of SP’s rising dominance in Uttar Pradesh politics.
‘Our desire is clear: Akhilesh Yadav, the national president of SP, should helm the INDIA alliance. This move will fortify it beyond measure, silencing all doubts about its command structure,’ Mehrotra said. The statement underscores internal dynamics within the opposition as they gear up for future challenges.
On Naseemuddin Siddiqui’s exit from Congress, Mehrotra was unequivocal. The former BSP leader, he noted, has no future with BJP and belongs in SP’s fold. ‘SP is the only viable alternative to BJP in UP. It’s the party that can truly address the state’s issues and usher in progress,’ he added.
Forecasting a political upheaval, Mehrotra observed, ‘Public faith in BJP has eroded completely. The 2027 assembly elections will witness a power shift, with SP sweeping to power under Akhilesh Yadav’s chief ministership.’
Turning to governance failures, he lambasted the law and order situation, citing the Amroha case as emblematic of systemic breakdown. ‘The government boasts tough laws, yet women continue to suffer atrocities without redress. This is a blatant failure.’
Mehrotra raised serious concerns over the SIR process, claiming it disenfranchised vulnerable groups. ‘Dual voter lists for different elections reveal glaring inconsistencies and manipulations targeting the marginalized,’ he accused, calling for accountability.