VARANASI, Oct 15: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday took an apparent dig at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying that leaders who wake up at noon and remain focused on their families cannot understand the problems of ordinary people.
Addressing a programme organised to honour sanitation workers in Varanasi, Adityanath stressed that elected representatives must remain connected with the public and share their joys and sorrows.
Without naming Akhilesh Yadav directly, the chief minister said leaders who consider their families their entire world cannot bring meaningful change to society.
He remarked that when public representatives fail to understand their responsibilities and remain disconnected from the people, the consequences are inevitable.
Adityanath has frequently criticised Yadav over his alleged daily routine, claiming that he wakes up late, begins work in the afternoon and spends evenings in meetings with associates rather than addressing public concerns.
CM Questions Leaders Who Stay Away From Constituencies
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister also criticised elected representatives who allegedly stop visiting their constituencies after winning elections.
He said some leaders remain stationed in Lucknow and fail to maintain direct contact with the people they represent.
Adityanath emphasised that public representatives should ensure government welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries instead of limiting themselves to criticising the administration.
Citing a 76-day cleanliness campaign underway in Varanasi, he said initiatives involving residents, grievance redressal and welfare camps could serve as a model for other constituencies.
He urged representatives to organise camps to help people access benefits under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, housing assistance, pensions, ration cards and the PM Vishwakarma programme.
He added that welfare benefits must be distributed without discrimination based on caste, religion, language or region.
Sanitation Workers’ Welfare Highlighted
During the programme, Adityanath praised sanitation workers for maintaining cleanliness in difficult conditions, often beginning their duties before the rest of the city wakes up.
He said the Uttar Pradesh Government had decided to take strict action against anyone found deducting sanitation workers’ wages.
According to the arrangements outlined by the chief minister, sanitation workers should receive a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 16,000, along with medical facilities under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, insurance coverage and provident fund benefits.
Referring to the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj earlier this year, Adityanath said sanitation workers played a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness during the massive religious gathering, which he said attracted around 66 crore devotees.
He described sanitation workers as the backbone of the cleanliness system and said their contribution often goes unrecognised despite being essential to major public events.
Calls for Better Civic Management
Adityanath also highlighted the transformation of Varanasi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, pointing to improvements in infrastructure and civic facilities.
He stressed that development does not end with the construction of roads and other infrastructure, adding that their maintenance requires public participation.
The chief minister urged residents to prevent waterlogging and maintain cleanliness during the monsoon to reduce the risk of diseases such as dengue and malaria.
He also called for dialogue to resolve public grievances, saying problems cannot be addressed through verbal abuse or physical confrontation.
In addition, Adityanath said land allegedly occupied by a mafia in Prayagraj had been reclaimed and would be used to construct housing for poor and disadvantaged families.
His remarks came amid continued political sparring between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.
