Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav delivers Independence Day speech from SP headquarters in Lucknow
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday questioned India's development model during his Independence Day address, raising concerns over constitutional values, economic growth, farmers' struggles, inflation, education and healthcare infrastructure.
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav hoisted the National Flag with party workers at the SP headquarters on the occasion of Independence Day.@yadavakhilesh @samajwadiparty #15August #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/RRVtgeQmwZ
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Addressing party workers at the SP headquarters in Lucknow on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said strengthening the Constitution would remain a key priority for his party. He maintained that the Samajwadi Party would continue its efforts to protect democratic institutions and constitutional principles, adding that any sacrifice required to safeguard these values would be made.
Yadav's address began with a focus on constitutional protection and democratic values. He said the Constitution provides the foundation for the country's governance system and stressed the need to preserve its principles.
Moving towards economic issues, the SP chief questioned whether India's GDP growth was translating into better living conditions for ordinary citizens. He highlighted per capita income as a crucial indicator of economic progress and argued that overall economic figures alone cannot reflect the actual financial condition of people.
Yadav said India's growth story should be compared with countries having similar GDP levels and economic growth rates. He argued that while several emerging economies have improved citizens' income levels, India still faces challenges in ensuring that economic growth benefits every section of society.
He maintained that development should not be measured only through indicators such as Gross Domestic Product, foreign investment inflows and market expansion but also through improvements in employment opportunities, income levels and quality of life.
Putting farmers at the centre of his address, Yadav said the prosperity of the country depends heavily on the economic security of the agricultural community. He stressed that farmers require proper irrigation facilities, timely availability of quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, along with fair and remunerative prices for their crops.
Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers even after eight decades of independence, the SP president said the agricultural sector continues to struggle with issues such as rising input costs, unstable market prices and inadequate returns.
He said farmer poverty remains a serious concern and argued that national progress cannot be achieved without improving the economic condition of rural communities. According to him, strengthening agricultural policies and ensuring better income opportunities for farmers are essential for inclusive growth.
Yadav also raised questions over the economic situation of families dependent on government ration schemes. He said that while India discusses rising income levels and economic growth, millions of households still require food assistance for their daily needs.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav: On Independence Day, we take a pledge to strengthen the Constitution and work for India’s progress. Our resolve is to ensure prosperity for farmers, employment for youth, growth for traders and make India a developed nation.@samajwadiparty… pic.twitter.com/BwXXCZl5ul
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Discussing inflation, Yadav targeted rising petrol and diesel prices and alleged that increasing fuel costs have placed additional pressure on citizens. He said fuel prices directly affect transportation, agriculture, logistics and household expenses, creating a wider impact on the economy.
The SP chief also raised concerns over fuel adulteration and claimed that citizens are facing difficulties due to rising costs. He argued that controlling inflation and improving purchasing power should remain key priorities for any government.
Referring to India's large-scale food distribution system, Yadav said the need for ration support among millions of families reflects deeper economic challenges. He argued that alongside welfare schemes, there is a need to create stronger employment opportunities and increase people's earning capacity.
Yadav also criticised the government's approach towards education and healthcare, alleging that public services have not received adequate attention despite their importance for long-term economic development.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav: On the 80th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. We remember Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and all revolutionaries whose sacrifices and dedication helped India achieve freedom. I thank those supporting children's… pic.twitter.com/EzOGnJuych
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) August 15, 2026
He claimed that around 26,000 primary schools in Uttar Pradesh had been closed and alleged that nearly one lakh schools across India faced similar challenges. He said reduced access to government schools could affect children, especially those from rural areas and economically weaker sections.
On healthcare, the SP leader alleged that government hospitals continue to face shortages of doctors, medicines and essential medical facilities. He said patients in several areas struggle to access basic healthcare services due to gaps in medical staff availability and infrastructure.
Yadav further criticised the focus on constructing new medical colleges while existing healthcare institutions continue to face operational challenges. He argued that strengthening existing hospitals through better staffing, adequate medicine supply, modern equipment and efficient management is equally important.
The Independence Day remarks by Akhilesh Yadav came amid a wider political debate over India's economic growth strategy, welfare policies and delivery of public services. By highlighting constitutional issues, per capita income, farmers' concerns, inflation, education and healthcare, the SP chief sought to question the government's development narrative and bring focus to ground-level issues affecting citizens.
