The BJP government is using the excavation as a diversion tactic to mask its failures, says Samajwadi Party chief
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – Mocking at the excavation drive undertaken by the authorities in Sambhal, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav humorously claimed that there may be a “Shivling” beneath the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as well.
It may be noted that after the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and the violence that claimed the lives of five Muslims, authorities claimed to have stumbled upon an abandoned temple and a stepwell in the area.
Speaking to reporters in the state capital on Monday, Yadav said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is getting excavation done at various places to “hide its failure” and to divert attention from the issues related to the public.
“We believe there is a ‘Shivling’ under the chief minister’s residence too. We have faith that the Shivling is there. We should all prepare for its excavation. The media should go first; we will join after that,” he said drawing a burst of derisive laughter from those present.
The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh also alleged that the “houses of innocent people are being demolished illegally by bulldozers”.
The SP leader further accused the BJP government of using the excavation as a diversion tactic to mask its failures, stating that the ruling party is trying to shift focus from the public’s pressing issues.
Yadav criticised the government for the alleged deterioration of Uttar Pradesh under its governance. He pointed out that Uttar Pradesh is at the top in borrowing and debt, claiming that the state’s treasury had been emptied.
He also raised concerns about the well-being of farmers, asking, “Has the income of farmers doubled?” He accused the government of cheating farmers and destroying properties by illegally demolishing homes with bulldozers. “This is not development but destruction,” Yadav added.
The SP chief also condemned the current administration for failing to implement any significant developmental projects, citing issues like rising prices, unemployment, and dishonesty. These, he said, have led to growing discontent among farmers and youth in the state.
The controversy over the excavation in Sambhal began when an official from Chandausi municipality revealed that a stepwell, which had been covered for years, had been discovered after the reopening of a Shiv-Hanuman temple that had been closed for 46 years. The official said the surrounding encroachments would be cleared to protect the historical structure. The excavation is being carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India to ensure the preservation of the site.
The Samajwadi Party has been vocal against the ongoing excavation, raising concerns over the political motives behind the operation. This aggression was also seen during the winter session of Parliament, where Samajwadi Party MPs staged protests over the violence in Sambhal.
