'Godown Of Corrupt': On Last Day Of Lok Sabha Polls Phase-1 Campaign, Akhilesh Yadav Targets Turncoats In BJP

Rahul-Akhilesh Joint PC: Contesting under the banner of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, the two leaders pledged to campaign for Cong's candidate Dolly Sharma, in a show of their united stance against BJP.

Rahul Gandhi-Akhilesh Yadav Joint Press Conference

Source : PTI Images

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav joined forces in a joint press conference held in Ghaziabad on Wednesday, two days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Contesting under the banner of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, the two leaders pledged to campaign for Congress's candidate Dolly Sharma, in a show of their united stance against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a question on their show of unity, Yadav said, “Electoral bond ne inka band baja diya… BJP sabhi bharshtachariyon ka godaam ban gayi”. 

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, UP: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says "...'Electoral bond ne inka band baja diya...BJP sabhi bhrashtachiroya ka godaam ban gayi'...They are not only taking corrupts (in their party) but also keeping the money earned by the corrupts..." pic.twitter.com/SYmcDHiW6b

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024

During the press conference, Akhilesh stated that they together would wipe out the BJP from Ghaziabad to Gazipur. “I am happy that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Samajwadi Party are doing a press conference together...Today, we are in Ghaziabad and this time INDIA alliance will wipe out BJP from Ghaziabad to Ghazipur. Today, farmers are upset as all the promises of BJP turned out to be fake”.

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, UP: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says "I want to extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ram Navami. I am happy that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Samajwadi Party are doing a press conference together...Today, we are in Ghaziabad… pic.twitter.com/72ULKixwgp

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024

Echoing Yadav’s sentiments, Rahul Gandhi underscored the “ideological divide” in the elections, condemning the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine the Constitution and democratic principles. He stated, “his election is an election of ideology. On the one hand, RSS and BJP are trying to destroy the Constitution and the democratic system, and on the other hand, the I.N.D.I.A bloc and Congress Party are trying to defend and protect the Constitution and democracy”. 

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "This election is an election of ideology. On the one hand, RSS and BJP are trying to destroy the Constitution and the democratic system, and on the other hand, the INDIA alliance and Congress Party are trying… pic.twitter.com/yJ2dRuViPS

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024

The leaders jointly accused the BJP of diverting the attention away from pressing issues like unemployment, and inflation. Yadav, criticising the saffron party’s handling of corruption allegations, stating, “I.N.D.I.A gathbandhan nahi, ummeed hai”. 

Responding to questions about his candidature from Amethi or Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that decisions regarding candidate selection are made by the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC). 

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: When asked whether he will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi or Raebareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "This is BJP's question, very good. Whatever order I will get, I will follow it. In our party, all these (selections of… pic.twitter.com/eI0Si8Q6QB

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024

READ | PM Modi In Northeast, Rahul Gandhi In UP Aim To End Campaigns For Phase 1 Of Lok Sabha Polls On High Note

Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency, allocated to Congress by SP, holds a strategic significance in the electoral battleground of UP. With voting scheduled for the first phase on April 19, attention is focused on key constituencies in Western UP, including Muzaffarnagar, Kairana, and Sambhal.