Akhilesh Yadav eyes women vote bank with safety pledge, financial aid

Almost two years ahead of the UP assembly polls, Samajwadi Party chief and former CM Akhilesh Yadav has started eyeing the " women vote bank" in the politically crucial state.

Targeting the BJP-headed UP government, Yadav said women have started distancing themselves from the ruling BJP as they are not safe under the current government. He claimed that injustice and oppression were at their peak. The state government's zero tolerance policy on law and order and atrocities against women has become a "zero".

Yadav announced that if his party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh, a financial assistance of ₹3,000 would be provided to poor women. He criticised the state government for its alleged failure to ensure the safety and welfare of women and girls. "The situation has become unsafe for women under the BJP government. Every day, we hear cases of injustice to women... If the Samajwadi Party forms a government, ₹3,000 will be given to poor women in the state," Yadav said.

He also highlighted his party's plan plans for enhancing women's safety if the SP returns to power. "We will strengthen women's security... If structural changes are needed in the police, our government will take big decisions in favour of women's welfare...," Yadav said.

While focussing on the "women vote-bank", Yadav blamed the government for misusing the police force for its political gains. "Police will not do the right things, if they are used to win elections," Yadav told reporters. He added that if there is no proper policing, the law and order would not be good.

On Sunday, Yadav held a meeting with the functionaries of his party's women wing Samajwadi Mahila Sabha. Sources said Yadav wants his party's women wing to expand its base at the ground level.