Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 4 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has accused Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav of engaging in caste-based favouritism during his tenure as chief minister and neglecting Dalits and minorities.

Responding to Yadav's recent remarks during a press conference, during which he reiterated his party's commitment to conducting a caste census if voted to power, Rajbhar expressed surprise at what he called the opposition leader's hypocrisy.

'It is surprising if people who usurp rights say such things. He (Akhilesh Yadav) recruited people in services like police, village servant, lekhpal based on caste during his five-year tenure as chief minister...He made 56 SDMs out of 86 on the basis of caste.

Rajbhar further alleged that caste bias was seen during administrative appointments as well under the previous Samajwadi Party government. 'He made 56 sub-divisional magistrates out of 86 on caste basis. If he really believed in PDA (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak--backward, Dalit, minorities), he would have recruited at least one from these communities,' Rajbhar asserted.

'Actually, Akhilesh Yadav's ground has slipped due to caste census, he is bewildered... He (Akhilesh Yadav) is now bewildered as to what will happen now...,' as Akhilesh has got know the possible outcome of the caste census.

Rajbhar is an ally of the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh.

On Friday, Yadav promised to install a grand statue of Maharaja Suheldev at the Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow if the Samajwadi Party forms the government in Uttar Pradesh.

'After the formation of Samajwadi Party government, we will install a big statue of Maharaja Suheldev at the Gomti River front. His weapon will be made of Ashtadhatu,' he said. Maharaja Suheldev ruled Shravasti and famously defeated Ghazi Sayyid Salar Masud, the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni, in 1034 at the Battle of Bahraich.

Yadav further expressed hope for the 'complete support of the Maharaja Suheldev community' in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

'We hope that the complete support of Maharaja Suheldev community in 2027 UP Assembly elections,' Yadav said in a press conference. (ANI)