Akhilesh Yadav Mocks BJP's 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas', Says Only Caste Survey Can Bridge Divide

Akhilesh Yadav said instead of sloganeering, BJP should focus on eliminating inequality in the country by holding a nationwide caste survey.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav pays tribute to Sonelal Patel, founder of Apna Dal, on his birth anniversary, at party office in Lucknow. ( Image Source :PTI )

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party's slogan 'Sabka saath, sabka vikaas' and emphasised the importance of eliminating inequality in the country. Yadav proposed a nationwide caste survey to ensure that all communities receive their fair share of development. He expressed concern that the BJP's slogans would not result in inclusive development.

Yadav questioned the effectiveness of the BJP's slogan during an event at the SP office commemorating the 74th birth anniversary of Sonelal Patel, a veteran Kurmi leader. Instead of labelling demands for a caste-based census as casteist, he stated that such a survey was required to address inequality and ensure respect for all communities. Yadav emphasised that other countries have used caste surveys to help marginalised groups in society.

"This inequality will end only when a caste census is conducted and people from all communities are treated with dignity and respect,"  he was quoted as saying by PTI. Yadav cited the provision of a caste survey in several countries and stated that instead of implementing rules to bring people who lag behind others on an equal footing, false slogans are raised in India to mislead the people.

According to the report, Yadav reiterated his belief that the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) would be defeated in the upcoming general elections by the 'PDA' - the backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. 

He expressed confidence that the opposition would triumph as a result of this alliance. Yadav paid tribute to Sonelal Patel, saying that following in his footsteps and fulfilling his dreams would be a fitting tribute.

Sonelal Patel's wife and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) president Krishna Patel praised Yadav for championing the fight for social justice and upholding the ideologies of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

"Today, Akhilesh Yadav is fighting for the ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and the fight for social justice. We all have faith in him to carry on this fight," Krishna Patel said.

She went on to say that a caste survey was required to "provide justice and rights to all sections of society."

SP leader Uday Pratap Singh accused the BJP-led Centre of engaging in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities. He chastised the BJP for opposing the caste census, claiming that it sought to deny marginalised and weaker sections of society rights and respect. Singh contended that a caste census was essential for ensuring long-overdue respect for all segments of society.