Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 21 : Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the rising number of road accidents in Uttar Pradesh,
Citing a news report showing the state of road accidents in UP, the former Chief Minister alleged that the state government is not working to ensure road safety and enforcement of traffic rules, and is instead involved in "extortion" and "corruption."
Taking to social media platform X, Yadav said, "Dear residents of the state. This new news is worrying that 'the maximum number of deaths in road accidents are happening in Uttar Pradesh.'"
https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1847861382236295284
Taking a jibe at the BJP, he urged people, "The people of Uttar Pradesh are requested to step on the 'roads and traffic system marred by BJP's corruption', only on their own belief."
The SP chief further accused the state government of carrying out "recovery" and "extortion" in the state, while not working towards enforcement of traffic rules.
"In the BJP government of UP, traffic rules are not followed but violated. The BJP government is not interested in enforcing the rules; their entire focus is on recovery and extortion."
He further listed several reasons for the high number of road accidents in the state. "The roads are broken, vehicles are illegal, and there is no restriction on overspeeding," Yadav noted. He also pointed out that the helmet rule is often ignored and only used for "warming up the fists."
He raised concerns about reckless driving, overloaded vehicles and old vehicles. He also alleged that the fines for drunk driving are only used as a means to "grab money."
"Arbitrary parking and encroachment are narrowing the roads, causing accidents," he added, along with other reasons for the frequent occurrences of road accidents.
Yadav criticised the lack of rule enforcement, stating, "Instead of working to enforce traffic rules, the traffic police wait in the corner to extort money He also claimed that corruption is rampant in the Transport Ministry and Department.
In his appeal to the public, Yadav urged caution, especially for elderly people, drivers, parents, and children crossing roads alone. "Be careful of road hazards and save your own life," he said.
Further taking a swipe at the BJP, the former CM urged the people, "So, it is my appeal to the elderly, drivers, parents and students who cross the road alone; stay safe from danger and save your life on your own."