Amid mounting apprehensions regarding potential cross-voting within the ranks of the opposition Samajwadi Party during the forthcoming election to fill the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, party leader Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing critique, highlighting concerns of coercion and intimidation tactics being employed to sway legislators in favor of BJP candidates.
In an interview with India Today TV, Akhilesh Yadav voiced grave concerns over what he perceived as a concerted campaign to coerce party MLAs into aligning with the BJP's interests, lamenting the intrusion of government influence in the electoral process. He asserted, "MLAs are being threatened to vote. When the government gets involved, this is what will happen. They will threaten the MLAs and take them away."
Accusing the BJP of resorting to unscrupulous horse-trading tactics, Yadav expressed his conviction that the saffron party would spare no effort in pursuit of victory. He emphasized the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and coercion, suggesting that only a few possessed the courage to resist the government's pressure. Yadav remarked, "Not everybody has the guts to stand against the government...pressure is put on everybody. Is there anyone who doesn't know that the BJP would go to any extent to win?"
The gravity of Yadav's accusations is underscored by the recent resignation of party MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey from his role as chief whip in the Assembly, a move that has further fueled concerns over potential defections within the party ranks. Additionally, the conspicuous absence of eight MLAs, including Pandey, from a crucial meeting convened by Yadav ahead of the Rajya Sabha election has raised eyebrows within political circles.
In response to these developments, Akhilesh Yadav pledged to take decisive action against those deemed responsible for undermining the party's integrity. "We want such people to be kept away from the party," he asserted, signaling his resolve to uphold party discipline and cohesion.
The stakes are high in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, with 10 seats up for contention. However, with 11 candidates vying for these positions, including eight from the ruling BJP and three from the Samajwadi Party, the electoral landscape promises to be fiercely contested, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
