Samajwadi Party ignored teachers, offered prayers at graves of mafias: Yogi Adityanath

Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday, accusing it of ignoring the interests of teachers and youth during its tenure in the state and instead "offering prayers at the graves of mafias".

The Chief Minister made the remarks during a convention in Varanasi held in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates for the Legislative Council elections (Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies).

Addressing a gathering, CM Adityanath said: "One cannot expect the welfare of teachers from those who have no concern for education, who act as lackeys to the mafia, and who visit a mafia's grave to offer prayers (Fatiha) upon his death. During the SP government's tenure, teaching posts remained vacant, recruitment commissions were controlled by the 'Saifai Syndicate', and the future of the youth was jeopardised. In contrast, the BJP government has ensured transparency in the recruitment process and resolved teachers' grievances."

Claiming that the SP's administration lacked momentum, the Chief Minister added: "How could there be any progress? And in the absence of progress, such a dismal state of affairs was inevitable. They had installed members of their own family within the recruitment syndicates of that era. Recruitment drives were conducted through these very family members, after which the 'uncle-nephew' duo would set out to extort money. Back then, no one outside the 'Saifai Syndicate' could secure a job."

"During the Samajwadi Party government's tenure, Anil Yadav was appointed as the Chairman of a recruitment commission, despite being entirely unqualified for the role. Under that (SP government) administration, an individual topped the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission examination—a person who had secured only a third division in High School, Intermediate, and his B.A. degree. The situation was marked by such anarchy and lawlessness; the lives of the youth were being toyed with. Meanwhile, riots, civil unrest, and the mafia held sway," CM Adityanath alleged.

He added that under the Samajwadi Party government, the youth faced a miserable plight.

Meawhile, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister described teachers and graduates as vigilant guardians of society, noting that they complement each other.

"Teachers provide direction to the youth, and the youth determine the nation's future," he said.

Referring to the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister highlighted that the BJP won eight out of ten seats, while the SP secured two.

"While the BJP provided representation to various sections of society, the SP—which champions the 'PDA' (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak/Backward, Dalit, Minority) cause—allocated one seat to party leader Ramgopal Yadav and the other to a wealthy tycoon from Mumbai," Yogi Adityanath said while questioning why the SP could not find a Yadav, Dalit, or Muslim candidate from Kashi, Ghazipur, or Ballia.

Taking a swipe at the SP, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister redefined 'PDA' as 'Family Development Authority' and 'Paraya Dhan Apna' and accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led party of adopting double standards.

Chief Minister Adityanath said that the Legislative Council needs a representative capable of effectively presenting teachers' issues to the Uttar Pradesh government.

He mentioned the arrangements have been made for a special TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) for existing teachers following the Supreme Court's judgment on the matter.

Moreover, he alleged that between 2005 and 2017, contributions for the New Pension Scheme for teachers and employees were not deposited and that even accounts had not been opened.

"After the BJP-led government assumed office in 2017, a provision of Rs 10,000 crore was made to open accounts for 1.4 million (14 lakh) personnel. The government's contribution to the New Pension Scheme was also raised from 10 to 14 per cent," CM Adityanath said.

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