Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said his party would welcome leaders from rival political camps who are willing to join efforts to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav said elections provide an opportunity for political parties and leaders to set aside past differences and come together around shared principles.

Referring to the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Assembly elections, Yadav said the electoral period should be viewed as a time for unity. He said those who believe that democracy, the Constitution and the country's economy are facing challenges should come together. He cited issues including inflation and the Centre's decision on E20 petrol blending while arguing that political differences should be put aside during the election period.

Yadav said the SP was prepared to welcome political leaders and former allies who wanted to return to its fold despite differences in the past. He said the party would be willing to overlook earlier disagreements if such leaders were prepared to work together. His remarks came amid efforts by opposition parties to coordinate politically ahead of the upcoming electoral contests.

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The SP chief also backed the INDIA bloc's proposed 'Save Democracy' march, calling for collective efforts to protect democratic institutions and the Constitution. His support came even as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has criticised him over his absence from a recent meeting of opposition alliance leaders in New Delhi. Yadav urged people and political groups to come together around the broader issue of safeguarding democratic values.

Yadav also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over waterlogging and flooding affecting families living along the Gomti River in Lucknow and other areas. He alleged that residents had faced prolonged waterlogging and accused the government of failing to address the problem despite earlier emphasis on smart cities and river-cleaning initiatives. The comments were part of his broader criticism of the state government's handling of civic and environmental concerns.

On Gandhi Jayanti, Yadav invoked Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on truth, non-violence, sacrifice, goodwill and brotherhood. He said Gandhi's legacy included efforts to bring people together and ensure that disadvantaged sections remained connected with the mainstream. Yadav said the occasion should serve as a reminder of the need to work towards social unity and the welfare of the poorest sections of society.

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