Akhilesh Yadav Pledges Free Irrigation and Fast Payments for UP Farmers

Yadav’s campaign strategy centers on addressing the rising costs of agricultural inputs and machinery, which he claims are currently straining rural households. During a meeting with local farmers, he criticized the state’s approach to ethanol blending, alleging that the government captures the financial upside while farmers struggle with stagnant returns. Beyond immediate financial relief, he proposed a large-scale expansion of dairy facilities to create alternative revenue streams for families.

His critique extended to infrastructure, where he accused the ruling BJP of leaving power projects unfinished from his previous tenure. Yadav dismissed the state’s current economic goals as hollow, labeling the governing party’s development model as inherently corrupt. Addressing rumors of political defections, he acknowledged that several BJP lawmakers have reached out to him, though he remained cautious about offering commitments this far ahead of the 2027 vote.