Kamal Ghorui
LUCKNOW: Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s long term future, saying the BJP and the lotus symbol would continue to dominate Uttar Pradesh for at least the next 21 years.Speaking at the “9 Defining Years of Transformation” conclave in Lucknow, Maurya said India and Uttar Pradesh are steadily moving towards becoming developed entities. “The lotus will continue to bloom in Uttar Pradesh, just as the entire country is progressing toward a developed India,” he said.Reflecting on his nearly decade-long political journey, Maurya said he has always been committed to public service through the party, govt, and ideological organisations. He said the BJP govt is currently better equipped to meet the aspirations of Uttar Pradesh’s 25 crore population by ensuring effective delivery of welfare schemes.Calling the current phase historic for the state, Maurya said the achievements of the present govt and those to come will be remembered in history “in golden letters.” He added that his prayers focus on fulfilling both the material needs and spiritual growth of all Indians.Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Maurya rejected claims of BJP’s “overconfidence,” stating that the opposition alliance began losing credibility soon after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He cited BJP’s decisive victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal as proof of growing public trust.Maurya took a sharp swipe at Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should not even dream of forming a government in 2027. He accused SP of misleading voters in 2024 through false allegations about ending the constitution and reservation, and said the public has now understood the reality.Highlighting BJP’s development agenda, Maurya said the party believes in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and works for the upliftment of the poor, employment for youth, and progress of every family. In contrast, he accused SP of protecting criminals, mafias, and fostering corruption.On caste representation, Maurya said BJP has successfully united OBCs, upper castes, and Dalits, while alleging that OBC leadership was sidelined during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as chief minister.He also defended BJP against allegations of dynastic politics, stating that unlike parties where power remains confined to a single family, BJP functions through collective decision-making.Concluding his address, Maurya said BJP will return to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2027 with its biggest-ever mandate, adding that the Samajwadi Party will perform worse than it did in the 2017 Assembly elections.
