Lucknow, January 24: In a bold assertion, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ravidass Mehrotra has claimed that the INDIA alliance would gain unprecedented strength if SP chief Akhilesh Yadav takes the helm. Speaking exclusively to IANS in Lucknow, Mehrotra emphasized the need for decisive leadership to unify the opposition against the ruling BJP.
Mehrotra passionately advocated for Akhilesh Yadav to lead the INDIA bloc, stating, ‘We want SP national president Akhilesh Yadav to take charge of the INDIA alliance. Under his leadership, it will become immensely powerful, and no one in the country will question his authority or position.’ This comes at a time when the opposition is seeking to consolidate its forces ahead of crucial electoral battles.
Addressing the recent resignation of Naseemuddin Siddiqui from Congress, Mehrotra dismissed any speculation of him joining BJP. ‘Siddiqui, who previously quit Bahujan Samaj Party, will never align with BJP. Having left Congress, he should undoubtedly join the Samajwadi Party,’ he asserted. SP positions itself as the true alternative to BJP, capable of driving development in Uttar Pradesh.
Mehrotra highlighted growing public disillusionment with BJP, predicting a massive shift in 2027. ‘People’s anger against BJP is widespread. The wave of change has begun, and SP will form the government with a thumping majority, with Akhilesh Yadav as Chief Minister,’ he declared.
Criticizing the Yogi Adityanath government on law and order, he pointed to a recent incident in Amroha where a young woman faced injustice. ‘Despite claims of new laws for victims, no justice is delivered on the ground. Sisters and daughters are being exploited, and the government has failed to curb crimes against women,’ Mehrotra charged.
He also slammed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, alleging大规模 irregularities. ‘Names of victims, poor, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities have been deleted. Two separate lists were created—one for panchayat polls and another for assembly elections—with discrepancies that expose the tampering,’ Mehrotra alleged, urging transparency in the process.