New Delhi: In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday drew parallels between PM Modi's leadership at the Centre and the rule of Adolf Hitler in Germany, noting that even Hitler's tenure lasted no longer than a decade.
"Those who came to power in 2014 will be departing in 2024. Hitler's reign lasted 10 years. He couldn't last beyond that," Yadav said, adding, "So, apparently, his (PM Modi’s) 10 years have also come to an end."
Adolf Hitler served as the Fuhrer of Germany from August 2, 1934, to April 30, 1945, having held the position of Chancellor from January 30, 1933, to April 30, 1945.
Akhilesh Yadav also termed the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as a crucial battle to safeguard the Constitution and democracy.
"This election is about preserving the Constitution, democracy, reservation, and one's dignity. Just as the 'Samudra Manthan' (churning of the sea) occurred in the past, this is a time for 'Samvidhaan Manthan'," Yadav said during a press briefing at his party office in Lucknow.
He underscored the contrasting visions of defending the Constitution and undermining it among competing political forces.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's electoral significance, Akhilesh noted the state's tradition of grand welcomes and farewells for political leaders.
Taking an veiled swipe at recently-inducted minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, Akhilesh quipped about the time it takes for departments to be allocated and principal secretaries to be appointed in the government.
He lamented the staggering toll of farmer suicides in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power, estimating nearly one lakh deaths and pledged his party's commitment to ensuring a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) if elected.
"The demands put forth by farmers are legitimate. MSP must be enforced with a legal guarantee because agriculture is the backbone of the economy. If farming and farmers suffer, the economy will inevitably suffer," Akhilesh added.