Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, 15 October launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, accusing both parties of being hostile to education and of placing family loyalty above merit. Speaking at a teachers' conference in Mirzapur, Adityanath alleged that the deterioration of education in the region was a direct consequence of the two parties' priorities.

Key Allegations Against SP and Congress

'Both SP and Congress harbour an aversion to the education sector... When the education system falls into disarray, the respect accorded to teachers is the first casualty. Furthermore, young graduates are left anxious about their futures — feeling despondent, hopeless, and often compelled to migrate. This is precisely what transpired in the state during the Samajwadi Party's tenure: no new universities were established, colleges were denied recognition, and lawlessness reached its peak,' CM Adityanath said.

He specifically recalled the case of Anil Yadav, described as a relative of the 'Saifai family', who was allegedly appointed as the Chairman of a commission despite being, in Adityanath's words, 'entirely unqualified for the position.' The Allahabad High Court subsequently removed Yadav from the post, issuing what the Chief Minister described as a stern rebuke.

Nepotism Charge: 'Saifai Family' and 'Nehru Family'

'This was the country's misfortune that after independence, those who were handed power were themselves misled. They had no direction. Every piece of work was named after their family, remaining limited only to their own family. Whether it is the Congress or the Samajwadi Party, this is the reality of both. Congress is limited only to the Nehru family, and the Samajwadi Party is limited only to the Saifai family,' CM Adityanath alleged.

He claimed that during the Akhilesh Yadav-led government in Lucknow, the youth who took to the streets demanding justice were 'completely ignored.' He added that despite the SP having governed the state four times, the three districts of the Mirzapur division — Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Bhadohi — had no medical colleges or universities during those tenures.

Development Claims Under BJP Rule

Adityanath asserted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Uttar Pradesh government, the education landscape had improved substantially. 'Youth are securing employment, teachers are receiving the respect and security they deserve, and educational institutions are being revitalised,' he said.

He highlighted that the Mirzapur division today has two medical colleges and two universities operational, including a university and a medical college named after Maa Vindhyavasini. He also credited the BJP government with ensuring a 'fair and transparent' recruitment process, contrasting it with what he called the 'Saifai Syndicate's' alleged control over hiring during SP's tenure.

Vindhyavasini Dham and Ram Mandir References

Addressing the gathering at the sacred site of Vindhyavasini Dham, the Chief Minister noted that during the ongoing Sharadiya Navratri, lakhs of devotees were visiting the shrines of Maa Vindhyavasini, Maa Ashtabhuji, and Maa Kali at Kali Khoh. He credited PM Modi's leadership for the construction of a grand corridor at the site and ongoing development of the Ganga ghats, alleging that prior to 2017, public funds were misused to 'patronise the mafia and facilitate the illegal seizure of land belonging to the poor.'

Adityanath added that two lakh devotees now visit Vindhyavasini Dham every single day. He also referenced the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, saying the Opposition 'remains unwilling to accept' its construction and criticising those who 'opposed the Ram Mandir' and are now 'going around preaching about Ayodhya.' With assembly elections in the horizon, Adityanath's Mirzapur address signals the BJP's intent to make education and development accountability central campaign narratives in eastern Uttar Pradesh.