Kashi turned 'double-engine into double zero' due to public anger: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday took a dig at the BJP over his party's victory in MLC polls in Varanasi, saying "double-engine turned into double zero" due to "public anger" over "neglect" of the holy city's heritage and local businesses.

Akhilesh Yadav takes a swipe at BJP over MLC poll victory

In a post on X, Yadav also thanked the people of Varanasi for their support during his visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency on Tuesday.

He said SP MLC candidates Ashutosh Sinha and Lal Bihari Yadav had won with historic margins, describing their victories as a "double blessing" from the people of Kashi.

"Kashi has turned the double-engine into double zero," Yadav said.

The BJP campaigns on the "double-engine government" pitch, arguing that having BJP governments at the Centre and in the state accelerates development.

Yadav alleges neglect of Kashi's heritage and businesses

Listing the reasons behind the party's victories, Yadav alleged that the BJP had hurt public sentiments by "damaging" the historic Manikarnika Ghat, "disrespecting" the statue of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar and "targeting" Shankaracharya.

He also referred to the police action against members of the Pal community and alleged atrocities in the Dal Mandi area.

Yadav accused the BJP government of neglecting Banaras' weavers, artisans and boat operators, while alleging that its "commission-driven policies and preference for outside contractors" had harmed small businesses.

Targeting Prime Minister Modi, he said, "Those who used to say that Maa Ganga had called them have forgotten Maa Ganga," and questioned the utilisation of funds allocated under the Namami Gange programme.

On the BJP's promise of developing Varanasi on the lines of Kyoto in Japan, Yadav said, "They could not make it Kyoto and have ruined Kashi as well. If they could not make Kyoto, they could at least have put up a photograph of Kyoto."

He alleged the BJP had worked against the interests of Varanasi rather than promoting its development.

SP promises metro network and heritage conservation

Predicting another setback for the ruling party in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Yadav said, "People of Uttar Pradesh bid farewell well, but when the people of Kashi bid farewell, it is permanent."

Promising development if the SP returns to power, he said his party would build a metro network to provide relief from traffic congestion in Varanasi and focus on preserving its heritage while promoting development through modern technology.

"Bringing back the glory of Kashi is our resolve, and we will fulfil it," he said, signing off with the slogan, "BJP jayegi, Kashi muskarayegi (BJP will go, Kashi will smile)."