Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday dismissed allegations that the Samajwadi Party government favoured only members of a single community.
“These allegations are made by those who cannot digest our achievements. Some parties are trying to destroy peace in the State and I urge you to maintain harmony. The SP will not let these forces succeed,” he said.
“Laptops are being distributed to all communities without any discrimination. So were the benefits under the Kanya Vidya Dhan and Berozgari Bhatta [unemployment dole] schemes. Even farmers from all communities have benefited,” Mr. Yadav said at a laptop distribution function here.
The Chief Minister criticised the Centre for the controversy over the naming of the State’s 108 ambulance scheme as “Samajwadi Swashtya Sewa.”
“Just because we named the scheme Samajwadi, the Centre is stopping funds. Our Cabinet has decided that even if we have to allocate the money from our own budget we will increase the number of ambulances under the scheme.”
Mr. Yadav also criticised the previous Bahujan Samaj Party regime for “obstructing the entry of investors” into the State, for the worsening of power situation and neglecting the medical sector.
“The previous regime left the power department in a debt of Rs. 25,000 crore and worsened the power situation in the State. The Samajwadi Party is taking steps to attract investors and set up industries. U.P. is the most populous State and without its progress, the nation cannot prosper,” he said.
Mr. Yadav said the State would increase the number of seats for doctors and open new medical colleges.
He handed over laptops to 50 students. Around 13,800 laptops were distributed at the function. Nearly 70,000 laptops would be distributed in Allahabad, the highest for any district.
Mr. Yadav’s visit was marred by stray incidents of protests.
