Uttar Pradesh: Amit Shah dubs SP, BSP, Cong as 'poisonous snakes'

Raking up the issue of youth migration, the BJP president blamed his rival parties for stalling development in the state

Likening the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress to "poisonous snakes", BJP President Amit Shah on Friday said they were "stalling" development of Uttar Pradesh forcing its youths to migrate to other states for menial jobs.

He also lashed out at these parties and Trinamool Congress for "ganging up" against demonetisation and was especially critical of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav saying central assistance was "usurped by chacha-bhatija" (Shivpal and Akhilesh) and he will have to answer for the wrongs done during his five-year rule.

"SP, BSP and Congress and at some places Ajit Singh (RLD) are together stalling the development of Uttar Pradesh as saapnath and naagnath (poisonous snakes)," Shah said at a BJP Parivartan Rally here.

He said central assistance for the welfare of the poor and farmers in Uttar Pradesh went in vain as the benefits did not reach the targeted people and instead swelled the coffers of Samajwadi Party leaders "as you can see that their dwelling units had changed to palaces during the SP rule".

"He (CM) will have to first answer to the public for the wrongs done during the five years of his government," he said.

Shah further said that Akhilesh was answerable for Mathura where government land was encroached for years; Bulandshahr where gangrape was committed and his minister Azam Khan made a mockery out of it; and for Etah, where 100 people lost their lives in the hooch tragedy.

"Massive dose of financial assistance was given to the state but it was usurped by chacha-bhatija," he said, referring to Akhilesh and his uncle and state party chief Shivpal Singh Yadav.

Stressing that the youth in Uttar Pradesh wants to get involved in the development of the country, Shah said that youngsters lacked the facilities to realise their dreams. Over the past 15 years those committing corruption have changed but the situation in UP has not improved, added Shah.

"It is corruption, corruption and nothing but corruption in Uttar Pradesh," he rued.

"I feel bad to see youths from UP drive taxis and work as labourers in other states as there is no opportunity in their home state," he said, adding only a BJP government can ensure that they work in their native district, stay with their parents and family.

Attacking opposition parties, he said demonetisation has taken the wind out of BSP supremo Mayawati's sails and "(Congress vice president) Rahul baba is undertaking padyatras (foot rallies) daily".

"It will be better if Rahul takes out 'yatras' (rallies) against unemployment, poverty and starvation," Shah said, adding sarcastically that he will not be able to see the difference between UPA and NDA government till he removed his "Italian specs from his eyes".

"He (Rahul) asks what change has come after BJP came to power. He will not be able to see as he has Italian shades on his eyes," Shah said.