During a foundation stone ceremony for a major agricultural training facility in Pilibhit district on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi launched a scathing political attack on the Samajwadi Party. Questioning the claims made by SP leaders regarding their ancestry linked to Lord Krishna, Shahi alleged that Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav consistently avoided visiting Lord Krishna temples out of fear of alienating their Muslim voter base. He remarked that leaders who failed to honor their ancestral heritage are now making opportunistic claims for electoral gains.
Rebuttal to Shivpal Yadav and Allegations of Political Untouchability
The controversy stems from recent remarks by Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav, who claimed that his family represents the descendants of Lord Krishna and that Lord Krishna would guide their party to political victory. Responding to these statements, the agriculture minister questioned why neither Mulayam Singh Yadav nor Akhilesh Yadav ever visited prominent Krishna pilgrimage sites to pay their respects. Shahi asserted that the SP leadership intentionally distances itself from Hindu places of worship to retain Muslim support. He stated, "They fear that visiting the temple will alienate Muslim voters." He further described this hesitation as a form of political prejudice.
Launch of National Basmati and Organic Training Center in Pilibhit
Alongside the political debates, Pilibhit marked the official foundation stone laying for the Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Basmati and Organic Training Center. The ceremony was conducted jointly by UP Cabinet Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi and Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada. This facility holds national importance as the second Basmati training center in India and the country's first dedicated center for organic agriculture training. The establishment aims to equip regional farmers with advanced, chemical-free agricultural methodologies and high-yield farming practices.
Vision for Developed India 2047 and Critique of Past SP Governance
Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister Shahi reiterated the national objective of transforming India into a fully developed country by the year 2047. He emphasized that achieving national development requires the comprehensive progress of Uttar Pradesh, which relies heavily on strengthening the rural agricultural economy. Criticizing previous SP administrations, Shahi alleged that former governments completely neglected agricultural welfare, claiming they failed to allocate even Rs 5 crore toward dedicated agricultural development schemes during their tenure.
Clarification on Reservation and Constitutional Governance
Responding to media queries on social representation, Minister Surya Pratap Shahi reiterated the government's commitment to the existing reservation framework. He stated that reservation policies operate strictly under constitutional guarantees and guidelines set by the Supreme Court of India. Shahi affirmed that all eligible communities continue to receive reservation benefits in full compliance with constitutional norms, ensuring fair administration without political interference.
