Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes CM Yogi Adityanath Over 'Part-Time Politics' Remark

Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has taken a dig at current CM Yogi Adityanath for his recent remarks on his political engagement. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Akhilesh questioned Yogi's dedication to governance and asked the BJP’s central leadership to take note of what he termed “part-time politics.”

“Our Chief Minister says politics is not a full-time job for him. Why doesn’t the BJP leadership retire such part-time politicians?” Akhilesh said.

His statement comes a day after Yogi Adityanath told PTI in an interview, “Politics is not a full-time job for me...I am a Yogi, and there will be a time limit to this too.”

SP Chief Says Politics Demands Full-Time Commitment

Reacting to the comments, Akhilesh posted on X that people who treat politics as a secondary commitment should not enter the field at all. “True politics is a field of service. Even 24 hours in a day and an entire lifetime aren’t enough for it,” he stated.

The SP leader emphasized that public service cannot be treated as a part-time activity, especially by someone holding a crucial position like Chief Minister.

Backdrop: Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Debate in Parliament

The exchange happened as the Lok Sabha prepared to discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill, a move to update the 1995 law overseeing Waqf properties. Opposition parties, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party, have voiced objections. They argue that the government ignored their suggestions during the Joint Parliamentary Committee review and is pushing the legislation forward without adequate consultation.

The day saw both political drama and policy focus, with sharp commentary on leadership roles and the governance mindset expected in public office.

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