Lucknow: Ruling Samajwadi Party on Sunday released its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections promising a bunch of schemes for all round development of the state at a function which SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav and his brother Shivpal gave a miss.
With an eye on development, Akhilesh riding on the crest of "kaam bolta hai" (work speaks) slogan, announced schemes which prioritise development of the state.
He said the model villages in the name of Janeshwar Mishra would be a tribute to the Samajwadi leader on his death anniversary on January 22.
The Chief Minister, in his new role as the Samajwadi Party national president, directed all candidates to prepare a road map for development of their respective Assembly constituencies.
A highlight of the manifesto was Samajwadi Kisan Kosh for farmers to purchase seeds and fertilisers, perhaps to match the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Bima Yojana.
In an impassioned appeal to the electorate to vote SP back to power, Akhilesh said, "We got support on 2012 manifesto, we also fulfilled promises made in it."
"The manifesto is a 'sankalp' (promise) to form future government. It's clear that we all want to form Samajwadi Party government. If you work for 5 years, you will get government of five years," he said.
The chief minister asked party workers to go to the masses and make them aware of the schemes implemented by his government during the past five years.
"A lot of work has been done in a big way. We have to work more in future. I tried for the past five years not to leave path of socialism and also ensure balanced development to improve rural economics," he said.
Akhilesh also ridiculed his political opponents, saying, "Some parties are there who have nothing to do."
He slammed BJP for its Lok Sabha poll promises and asked what happed to its 'Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' slogan.
"People are desperately looking for those who had promised acche din," he said.
In a veiled attack on Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi, he said BJP has nothing to speak on development. "They sometimes give you 'jhadu' (broom) or ask you to perform yoga," he said.
He also took on BSP, claiming that the 'Patthar Wali Sarkar' has done nothing for UP except erecting stone statues of elephants, its poll symbol.
"If BSP comes to power, its government will install bigger elephant statues," he alleged.
The 32-page SP manifesto promises 24 hour power supply to villages and effective dial 100 so that police reaches within 10-15 minutes.
"In days to come, the government will move one step forward and ensure better connect with people. Samajwadi smartphone scheme is one effort," Akhilesh said, adding that already 1.40 crore registrations have been made for the same.
He said Samajawdi Party pension will benefit one crore people and Rs 1000 pension would be given to each one of them. With an eye on the rural areas, he announced welfare schemes for labourers and added that poor women will be given pressure cookers.
The manifesto promised setting up of hostels for working women, mid-day meal for farm workers, free medical treatment to the poor and an end to 'inspector raj'.
It promised expansion of metro rail in Kanpur, Agra and Meerut. It also promised air ambulance at Lucknow, ambulance for animals, free treatment to those with Rs 1.5 lakh annual income and one litre ghee a month to improve the health of malnourished children.
Akhilesh exuded confidence that his party will sweep 300 of the 403 seats, up from 224 it had won in 2017.
Referring to his dream project, Lucknow-Agra expressway he said it has reduced the travel time considerably.
"Those who have travelled know it the best. If given chance, it (expressway) will reach Ghazipur and Ballia," he said.
The SP manifesto also promised setting up of 'mandi' (market) and skill development centres in rural areas to give a boost to the state's economy.
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