Akhilesh Yadav: UP Leaders Busy with Rallies, Not Relief

LUCKNOW:

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government over its handling of the flood crisis, accusing it of prioritising extravagant political events over the pressing needs of flood affected citizens.

In a post shared on social media platform X, the former Chief Minister labelled the BJP led state government as “corrupt and failed”, alleging that it is more focused on “event management than public welfare”. Yadav questioned the administration’s failure to effectively respond to the ongoing floods, despite its ability to host large scale political rallies.

“When the BJP government can organise super VVIP rallies, then why has it failed to organise timely relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas?” Yadav asked, criticising what he termed the government’s misplaced priorities.

According to official data released by the state disaster management authorities, as of Sunday, floods have impacted 402 villages across 37 tehsils in Uttar Pradesh. The disaster has affected over 84,000 people, who are now grappling with waterlogged homes, damaged infrastructure and limited access to basic amenities.

Despite the mounting crisis, Yadav alleged that government officials have not been present on the ground in several of the affected regions. “Flood victims are left to fend for themselves while the administration is busy with photo-ops and preparations for high profile political programmes,” he stated.

The SP president also expressed concern for the vulnerable populations residing in low lying areas, many of whom have lost their homes or access to clean drinking water. He urged the state to act with urgency and compassion.

Yadav called for the immediate deployment of rescue teams, distribution of relief materials, and the establishment of temporary shelters with medical support. “The affected people need food, medicines, and safe shelter, not speeches and slogans,” he said.

So far, the state government has not issued a direct response to the comments made by the SP leader. However, relief efforts such as boat rescue services and food packet distributions have been reported in districts including Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Barabanki.

Officials claim that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in several districts to monitor the situation and carry out evacuations where necessary. Emergency control rooms have also been set up in vulnerable areas to coordinate flood response activities.

Despite these measures, public criticism has grown amid reports of delayed assistance and insufficient support for displaced families. Yadav’s remarks reflect the mounting frustration among sections of the population and the opposition, as the state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by heavy monsoon rainfall and rising river levels.

With the flood situation still evolving, pressure is building on the government to accelerate its response and ensure that affected communities are not left behind.