A fresh political row has erupted in Uttar Pradesh over government publicity expenditure and public welfare priorities. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp critique of the state administration on social media platform X, accusing the government of spending a massive sum of approximately 7000 crore rupees raised from public tax money solely on self-branding and image polishes.
Allegations of Spending 7000 Crore Rupees on Image Building
Taking a sarcastic jab at the advertising campaigns of the administration, Akhilesh Yadav described the large expenditure as an elaborate cosmetic exercise. He alleged that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh set a new record by getting a 7000 crore rupee cosmetic facial to polish the government's image. According to the opposition leader, hard-earned taxpayer money was diverted toward presenting a false narrative as reality through media promotions rather than addressing pressing public concerns.
Questions Raised on Unemployment, Poverty, and Closing Schools
Elaborating on the contrast between publicity budgets and ground realities, the Samajwadi Party chief highlighted major socio-economic challenges facing the state. He pointed out that while citizens contend with poverty, joblessness, and economic slowdown, thousands of government primary schools are being shut down citing a lack of financial resources. Akhilesh Yadav emphasized that underprivileged children are being deprived of their fundamental right to education under the pretext of budget constraints. He further alleged that the quality of mid-day meals served in the remaining operational government schools has deteriorated significantly.
Context Behind the World Record Sarcasm
The sarcastic reference to a world record by Akhilesh Yadav comes against the backdrop of several milestone achievements claimed by the Uttar Pradesh administration in recent times. The state has previously drawn wide attention for major public events and infrastructure feats. These include setting a record during Ayodhya Deepotsav by lighting over 26 lakh earthen lamps, as well as massive environmental initiatives such as planting more than 2.51 lakh saplings within an hour in Varanasi and launching a drive to plant 5 crore trees on World Environment Day. Additionally, rapid construction efforts on the Ganga Expressway were also highlighted for breaking records within a 24-hour window. Akhilesh Yadav weaponized these recurring record claims to sarcastically classify publicity spending as yet another record.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The post triggered widespread discussion across digital platforms. Opposition supporters echoed the concerns, arguing that public funds should be directed primarily toward education, healthcare, and job creation rather than advertisement campaigns. Conversely, supporters of the administration defended the government's performance, pointing to major infrastructure projects, expressways, and cultural heritage initiatives delivered across the state.
