Baghpat (Uttar Pradesh):
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Tuesday took a sharp swipe at the Congress and Samajwadi Party, alleging that both parties are driven by dynastic politics and offer little space for grassroots workers to rise to leadership positions.
Addressing a BJP workers’ conference in Baghpat, Pathak remarked that discussions about future leadership in opposition parties are confined to family lines. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said, “Some people believe that if Rahul Gandhi gets married, his son or daughter will automatically become the next leader. At the age of 50–55, if someone does not marry, people in villages say he may take renunciation. If that is the case, then Priyanka Gandhi’s children will become the leaders.”
Extending the same argument to the Samajwadi Party, Pathak targeted party chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying, “The situation is no different in the Samajwadi Party. Who will be the next leader there? Akhilesh Yadav’s son or daughter. Is there any other path? Can an ordinary Samajwadi Party worker even imagine becoming the party president?”
References to Maharashtra Politics
The Deputy Chief Minister also cited examples from Maharashtra to underline his criticism of dynastic politics. “Bal Thackeray built a strong party like Shiv Sena on issues of Sanatan values and Hindutva, but in an attempt to establish his grandson, the party itself was split. The same happened in the NCP, where Sharad Pawar sidelined his nephew to promote his daughter,” Pathak said.
He contrasted this with the BJP’s organizational structure, stating that the party believes in honoring even the last worker and providing opportunities based on merit and dedication.
Inspection of Health Centre and Bus Stand
Earlier in the day, Pathak inspected a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Baghpat and directed officials to immediately address the shortcomings found during the visit. He also reviewed a bus stand constructed in Durbha village, where damaged interlocking tiles were noticed. Expressing displeasure, he sought an explanation from the District Magistrate.
On the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pathak warned that strict action would be taken against agencies found negligent in construction work. “Development in villages will not be allowed to stall. Providing tap water to every household is the government’s responsibility,” he asserted.