Akhilesh Yadav Targets BJP Over ED Raids Linked To University Builders

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party over Enforcement Directorate searches at multiple locations linked to jailed former Rampur MP Azam Khan. Yadav accused the BJP of selectively targeting people associated with educational institutions while failing to take action against individuals facing other allegations of corruption and wrongdoing. His remarks came amid an ED money laundering investigation linked to Azam Khan, Mohammad Ali Jauhar University and its associated trust.

In a post on social media, Yadav alleged that the searches were aimed at appeasing a section of the BJP's supporters. He described the BJP as "anti-education, anti-teacher, and anti-student" and questioned the action against those involved in establishing universities. Yadav also alleged that schools had been shut down under BJP governments, while accusing the ruling party of overlooking other cases that he claimed involved corruption and irregularities.

The SP chief listed several issues while questioning the BJP's record, including allegations surrounding the Ram Temple donation case and a codeine-related controversy. He also criticised the condition of infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that several major roads and projects had deteriorated during the BJP government's tenure. Yadav referred to the Bundelkhand Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway and Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, alleging damage, potholes and other infrastructure problems.

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Yadav further raised questions over alleged cracks in a green corridor, damaged roads, deteriorating bridges, collapsing water tanks, leaking roofs and damaged station walls. He also referred to alleged corruption involving police officials in BJP-ruled states and questioned the handling of funds during the Maha Kumbh Mela. The SP chief additionally raised allegations concerning Smart City projects and claimed that some BJP representatives were involved in construction activities without required approvals.

The Kannauj MP questioned why investigative action was allegedly not being taken in these matters while the ED was conducting searches involving people associated with universities. He also referred to an alleged financial distribution involving around Rs 7,000 crore and accused those involved of using publicity and controversial statements to divert attention from alleged wrongdoing. These allegations were made by Yadav and were not independently established in the information available.

The ED searches were conducted at several locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi as part of a money laundering investigation linked to Azam Khan and matters concerning Mohammad Ali Jauhar University and its associated trust. The action follows earlier legal and investigative proceedings involving Khan and the university. The latest searches have provided the backdrop to Yadav's political attack on the BJP, with the SP leader arguing that investigative agencies should act consistently against all allegations of corruption and wrongdoing.

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