Written by: Karim Hammam
The president of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, has announced a new election promise to provide mustard oil for free alongside the usual food rations, in the event of the formation of what he called a "PDA government" after the upcoming legislative elections in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the Election Promise
Yadav explained that this measure aims to prevent vulnerable and poor groups from being subjected to any indignity when obtaining their basic needs, noting that the distribution of mustard oil will begin a few months after the formation of the promised government.
Accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party
The opposition leader directed sharp accusations at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of insulting women and mistreating the poor, describing the upcoming electoral battle as a confrontation between "women and youth" on one side, and the Bharatiya Janata Party on the other.
Human Rights Issues Raised
Yadav raised two prominent incidents to support his position: the first concerns an alleged assault on women and children who were collecting oil from remaining lamps after the "Deepotsav" festival in Ayodhya, and the second concerns the mother of a young man who died in a Lucknow fire, accusing the Prime Minister of publicly insulting her.
Demands for an Official Investigation
The Samajwadi Party president called on the National Commission for Women to intervene and take legal action against activists and organizers from the Bharatiya Janata Party involved in the Ayodhya incident, considering that what happened is "reprehensible, not praiseworthy."
Reading Previous Results
Yadav cited the 2024 parliamentary election results and the 2026 legislative assembly elections as indicators of the declining impact of the ruling party's promises, claiming that leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party are leaving the party or seeking alternative political shelters due to public anger.
