Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Akhilesh Yadav Targets BJP Over Infrastructure, UPI Charges
Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP over several roads and expressways in Uttar Pradesh.
He said some roads began breaking soon after they were opened.
He also said construction was still continuing on some projects.
Yadav questioned the quality of materials used in a bridge and other roads.
He called a proposed fee on some large UPI payments a tax-like charge, though merchants would pay it directly.
He said the government had not created the monthly jobs it promised.
He also questioned whether enough land existed for the claim that 200 crore trees had been planted.
Ramashray Kushwaha, a former minister, returned to Yadav’s Samajwadi Party.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are due next year.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav alleged that Uttar Pradesh infrastructure projects are deteriorating before construction is complete.
He cited alleged problems on the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Gorakhpur Link and Ganga expressways, including damaged roads, potholes and exposed bridge reinforcement bars.
Yadav accused the BJP government of corruption, questioned public-asset sales and alleged that profits were being directed between Lucknow and Delhi.
He called the proposed 0.4% merchant discount rate on certain UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 a tax-like charge, although merchants—not consumers—would pay it directly.
Yadav questioned claims of monthly job creation and the planting of around 200 crore trees; former minister Ramashray Kushwaha also rejoined the SP.
- Who
- Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, the BJP-led governments, and former minister Ramashray Kushwaha.
- What
- Yadav criticized alleged infrastructure failures, corruption, employment figures, tree-planting claims and proposed UPI merchant charges; Kushwaha rejoined the SP.
- When
- The remarks and Kushwaha’s return were reported on Thursday, September 17; the year is not specified. The proposed UPI charge was announced to begin October 15.
- Where
- At the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Yadav was challenging the BJP government’s record and policies ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due next year.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Criticism
Government and Policy Position
Infrastructure quality
Akhilesh Yadav’s Criticism
Yadav alleged that expressways and bridge components were damaged, maintenance continued after inauguration, potholes were covered with carpets and some projects were incomplete or poorly built.
Government and Policy Position
The articles do not report a direct response from the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Uttar Pradesh government to these infrastructure allegations.
UPI merchant charges
Akhilesh Yadav’s Criticism
Yadav called the proposed merchant discount rate a “chungi,” or tax-like toll, on digital payments, and said the government was seeking revenue from people’s transactions.
Government and Policy Position
The stated policy is that merchants—not consumers—will pay the 0.4% MDR on certain person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000. The government said the revenue would be shared among banks, payment service providers and UPI application providers.
Jobs and tree planting
Akhilesh Yadav’s Criticism
Yadav claimed there were no new jobs in July or August and said September would also have zero recruitment. He also questioned whether enough land existed for the claimed tree planting.
Government and Policy Position
The articles mention the government’s employment and tree-planting claims but do not provide a direct response to Yadav’s criticisms.
- Expressways cited
- Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Gorakhpur Link and Ganga expressways.
- Proposed UPI charge
- A 0.4% merchant discount rate on certain person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, announced to begin October 15.
- MDR cap
- The charge will be capped at Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000 or more.
- Who pays the MDR
- Merchants will pay the charge; consumers will not pay it directly.
- Transactions remaining free
- Person-to-person transfers and merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 will remain free.
- Special-sector MDR
- Railways, telecommunications, insurance, fuel and agricultural inputs will face a flat Rs 5 MDR on transactions above Rs 2,000.
- Tree-planting claim
- Yadav questioned the claim that around 200 crore trees had been planted in Uttar Pradesh over nine years.
