Udit Raj Defends Akhilesh Yadav's Support for Abu Azmi
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Synopsis
On March 6, Congress leader Udit Raj defended Akhilesh Yadav's backing of Abu Azmi. He discussed various political issues, including India's foreign policy, Jammu and Kashmir's situation, and the challenges faced by the JD(U) due to BJP's influence.
Key Takeaways
- Akhilesh Yadav justified in supporting Abu Azmi.
- Criticism of Article 370 revocation outcomes.
- Concerns over India's foreign diplomatic failures.
- JD(U)'s decline attributed to BJP's intervention.
- Women's financial aid program discussed.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Congress leader Udit Raj asserted on Thursday that Akhilesh Yadav, the head of the Samajwadi Party (SP), was justified in backing Maharashtra MLC Abu Azmi.
This statement was made during an interview with IANS, where Udit Raj addressed various topics including Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), India's foreign relations, Article 370, and the political landscape in Bihar.
Udit Raj backed Akhilesh Yadav's endorsement of Abu Azmi, who has praised Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, arguing that during the Peshwa Empire, the conditions for Dalits and women were dire.
He further emphasized that both Muslims and Hindus fought for respective leaders, stating that it is unfair to focus on a particular ruler from one community.
Commenting on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent remarks in London regarding Pakistan's obligation to return PoK and the revocation of Article 370 as a preliminary step, Udit Raj expressed his disagreement with this perspective.
He dismissed claims of positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir, stating: "When Article 370 was revoked, it was claimed that this would curb terrorism and spur investment in Jammu and Kashmir, yet no progress has been observed."
Regarding the ongoing border conflict between India and China over Aksai Chin, Udit Raj noted, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to 'sacrifice life for Aksai Chin', yet there has been no action taken and China has continued to build roads in the region."
Udit Raj criticized India's international diplomatic efforts, citing incidents where Indian ambassadors were attacked in Canada and Scotland, and highlighting that a gangster in Sabarmati jail was communicating with individuals in Pakistan. He added that Khalistani extremists had breached security to attempt an attack on Jaishankar.
The Congress leader attributed the JD(U)'s decline in strength within the assembly to the BJP, asserting that the JD(U) once held 120 seats but has now fallen to 45.
He claimed that the BJP has bolstered the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) while undermining the JD(U), predicting that the Nitish Kumar-led party is on a trajectory similar to the Akali Dal in Punjab.
Discussing reports that the Delhi government established criteria for the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme, which offers benefits to women with an annual income below Rs 3 lakh, Udit Raj mentioned that the BJP had promised to deliver this financial assistance by March 8.
He concluded: "We will observe the government's actions until March 8."
