Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday announced that his party would restore the Parshuram Jayanti public holiday if it returns to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2027. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the party office on the occasion of Parshuram Jayanti.
Addressing the media, Yadav said, “We will come to power in 2027 and restore the Parshuram Jayanti holiday,” positioning the move as part of the party’s broader cultural and social commitments.
During the interaction, the SP chief also spoke at length on national political issues, particularly the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of creating confusion around women’s reservation and questioned the intent behind the government’s approach.
Yadav clarified that his party was not opposed to women’s reservation in principle but objected to what he described as the BJP’s “exploitative methods.” He argued that the implementation lacked transparency and proper groundwork. “When the counting itself is flawed, how can the reservation be correct?” he said, referring to the absence of an updated census. According to him, a caste-based census is essential to ensure fair representation and equitable distribution of reserved seats.
He further alleged that the BJP was attempting to create divisions among women for political gain. “They are trying to turn ‘nari’ (woman) into a mere ‘nara’ (slogan),” Yadav remarked, suggesting that the policy was being used more as a political tool than a genuine reform measure.
On the issue of delimitation, Yadav claimed that the government had failed to move forward effectively. He stated that any inability to pass or implement such measures reflected a disconnect between the government and public sentiment. He also questioned why women’s reservation could not be implemented on existing seats instead of being tied to future exercises like delimitation.
The SP leader emphasized that structural challenges continue to hinder women’s participation in politics, especially in a male-dominated society. He stressed the need for comprehensive preparation to ensure meaningful implementation of reservation policies. He also highlighted concerns about workplace exploitation and called for stronger institutional mechanisms to ensure justice, citing a recent dispute between a Naib Tehsildar and a District Magistrate in Firozabad as an example.
Yadav also touched upon political culture and student engagement, stating that the absence of student union elections could weaken the democratic foundation. “Student politics is the nursery of larger political leadership. If it is weakened, the future of democratic participation is affected,” he noted.
Responding to a question regarding BJP leader Aparna Yadav allegedly burning a Samajwadi Party flag, Akhilesh Yadav refrained from direct criticism but urged sensitivity. “No one’s sentiments should be hurt,” he said, adding that colors often carry cultural and religious significance. He elaborated that red, the color associated with the Samajwadi Party, symbolizes revolution and also holds religious importance, being linked to deities, traditional attire, and cultural practices.
The SP chief also raised concerns over an incident involving a tea seller who reportedly faced administrative action after Yadav stopped at his shop. He alleged that such actions were politically motivated and accused the BJP of orchestrating events through intermediaries. “This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. People need to remain alert and cautious,” he said.
In a broader critique, Yadav accused the ruling party of engaging in divisive tactics and conspiracies to influence public perception. He cited past incidents, including an alleged case where individuals were encouraged to create communal tension, to argue that such strategies were part of a recurring pattern.
Throughout the press conference, Yadav maintained that issues like census, caste representation, and fair implementation of policies should take precedence over political messaging. He reiterated that policies impacting large sections of society must be backed by accurate data and inclusive planning.
