Uttar Pradesh’s political arena heated up on February 22 as Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, a key Samajwadi Party figure, accused the BJP government of plunging the state into unprecedented disgrace. Addressing the media in Lucknow, he stated bluntly, ‘UP today carries a stigma worse than ever before, thanks to this administration’s missteps.’
Key grievances included the much-criticized encounter killings, trumped-up cases targeting ordinary people, and now, cases against eminent spiritual leaders like Shankaracharyas—moves that have invited international ridicule.
Drawing from SP’s legacy, Pandey highlighted tangible successes. ‘Our government transformed UP with efficient infrastructure builds: highways, judicial complexes, urban rail, and more, all on modest allocations.’ He contrasted this with BJP’s paper tigers—massive budgetary promises that evaporate without trace, stalling development.
Supporting Akhilesh Yadav’s stance, Pandey downplayed Rambhadracharya’s recent barbs. ‘A 420 fraud case against him was mercifully dropped by us. As a regime-favored voice, ignore him.’ The flashpoint remains the controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, where a dusty 20-year-old allegation resurfaced, allegedly at the behest of Rambhadracharya’s follower.
Akhilesh quipped about his ‘mistake’ in withdrawing the earlier case, vowing sharper scrutiny next time. Pandey warned that such low blows expose the BJP’s vulnerability, predicting a political reckoning. As accusations fly, Uttar Pradesh braces for a battle of narratives shaping its future.