Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took aim at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of pushing the country’s traders into an “economic-social emergency” through flawed economic policies and a burdensome tax regime.
Speaking at a meeting of the SP’s Vyapar Sabha, Yadav said the so-called “double engine government” was only a symbolic term, and in practice, both its “engines” were engaged in arranging “fuel” rather than delivering good governance.
“This government that calls itself the ‘double engine government’ is only for namesake. In reality, if you look at their way of working, you can clearly see that its engines are busy arranging fuel,” Yadav remarked.
He criticised the government’s handling of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), claiming it has made operations more difficult for businesses, despite promises of simplification.
Citing media reports, Yadav alleged that around 35,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) had shut down over the past year. He said that if voted to power in 2027, the SP would ensure safety, dignity, and better facilities for traders.
He also claimed that business leaders across the state had pledged their support for the Samajwadi Party and would contribute to its election campaign efforts.
The SP chief paid tribute to Bhama Shah, a historic merchant and general known for his support of Maharana Pratap during the Battle of Haldighati, acknowledging his contributions to both commerce and society.
State president of the SP Vyapar Sabha, Pradeep Jaiswal, pledged full support to Yadav from the trader community, reinforcing the party’s push to align itself with the business class ahead of the upcoming elections.
Just a day prior, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had reaffirmed his government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and respect of traders and women, during an event commemorating Bhamashah Jayanti and Vyapari Kalyan Diwas.
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