Kanwar Yatris now welcomed with flowers, not lathis, under Yogi govt: Anil Rajbhar

Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday launched a scathing attack on SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of peddling baseless allegations out of political desperation ahead of elections. Citing large-scale corruption during the SP regime, Rajbhar highlighted irregularities in the Gomti Riverfront and JPNIC projects, where key contracts were allegedly handed to party loyalists. In contrast, he said, the Yogi government has ordered a probe into the JPNIC scam and transferred its operations to the LDA to generate youth-centric opportunities.

On the issue of the Kanwar Yatra, Rajbhar accused the SP of disrespecting religious sentiments. He recalled that Kanwar pilgrims were subjected to lathi-charge during the SP tenure and alleged that SP supporters were allowed to open unauthorized shops to disrupt the Yatra. In stark contrast, he said, under the Yogi government, Kanwar pilgrims are honored with flower showers. “No nameless, faceless shopkeeper can defile this sacred journey anymore,” Rajbhar said, adding that even the mention of “identity” seems to discomfort Akhilesh.

Responding to Akhilesh’s remarks on river rejuvenation, Rajbhar said the Yogi government has taken concrete steps, including clearing encroachments in Lucknow and initiating key projects under the Namami Gange and Amrit Sarovar schemes. “Reviving rivers is not just policy, it’s our resolve,” he said.

Touching upon the recent religious conversion racket, Rajbhar raised serious allegations, citing the arrest of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur. He claimed that fixed “rates” were being charged for converting girls from different communities. “This destroyed many innocent lives. It wouldn’t be surprising if Akhilesh chooses to defend such criminals,” he remarked, assuring that the Yogi government would take strict action against them.

Rajbhar slammed the SP for pretending to care about Sanatan Dharma. “Revival of rivers is part of our Sanatan tradition. We worship rivers as goddesses. Hearing Akhilesh speak about Sanatan just doesn’t sound right,” he said, accusing the SP chief of deceiving the public.