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Akhilesh Yadav targets BJP over LPG price hike, smart meters and EVM security
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP on LPG price hikes, smart meter rollout, and EVM security at a Lucknow press conference. He alleged irregularities in smart meters, warned of potential malign influence via DJ-driven propaganda, highlighted alleged school closures, and announced laptops for top students plus a pledge for free education up to PG if SP returns to power in 2027.
Why It Matters
The remarks mirror opposition criticism of energy pricing, digital infrastructure, and election technology, signaling SP's messaging ahead of future electoral and policy battles in Uttar Pradesh.
Timeline
3 Events
Laptop distribution to meritorious students and education pledge
May 3, 2026
During the event, Yadav honoured the top-ranking students of the High School and Intermediate examinations by presenting them with laptops. He announced that if a Samajwadi government is formed in 2027, it would implement free education from Kindergarten through Post-Graduate levels.
Allegations of education sector and school closures
May 3, 2026
Yadav claimed that the government had shut down 21,000 primary schools and that in over 41,000 other primary schools, not a single student was enrolled, criticizing the state of basic education under the BJP government.
Press conference at Samajwadi Party headquarters, Lucknow
May 3, 2026
Akhilesh Yadav held a press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, criticizing the BJP on rising commercial LPG prices, the installation of smart meters, and the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He alleged widespread irregularities with the smart meter system and questioned how EVMs could be secure if such dishonesty were possible with meters. He warned of potential BJP-driven propaganda aimed at spreading fear through controversial songs played via DJ systems and urged public vigilance. He argued that BJP has failed to curb inflation or corruption and accused associates of profiting from these issues.