Akhilesh Yadav criticizes UP government over Raksha Bandhan bus service

Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, has criticized the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh regarding the implementation of free bus services for women during the Raksha Bandhan festival. Yadav accused the administration of failing to fulfill its promises, claiming that many women faced difficulties such as a lack of available buses, insufficient seating, and buses failing to stop at designated locations.

To support his claims, Yadav shared a video from a bus station in Prayagraj showing crowds and muddy conditions. He alleged that despite the announcement of free travel, women were left waiting for hours without transport. He characterized the situation as a betrayal of the women of the state.

The Uttar Pradesh government responded by stating that the scheme was successful, reporting that more than 45 lakh women utilized the free bus service. According to officials, the facility was available on UP Roadways buses from the midnight of August 27 through midnight on Friday, and included one companion for each female traveler. The government noted that instructions had been issued to deploy sufficient buses to manage the expected crowds.