Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar Criticizes UP Government, Highlights Women’s Safety Concerns

Lucknow: As the legislative session was adjourned indefinitely, Samajwadi Party MLA Dr. Ragini Sonkar shared her experiences and views on the state government’s performance, expressing disappointment with the current administration and raising questions about women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party’s Legacy

Sonkar began by recalling the achievements of former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav. She credited his vision for major infrastructure projects in the state—including the construction of Ekana Stadium, the expansion of metro networks, development of police headquarters, and expressways. “Ours was the first government to deliver on its promises at the ground level during its full term. We delivered where it counted,” she emphasized.

Criticism of the Current Government

Sonkar, however, was critical of the current double-engine government (referring to the BJP both at the state and central level), arguing that many of their so-called achievements, such as the increase in the number of medical colleges, are superficial. “They have simply renamed district hospitals as medical colleges, yet even basic surgeries can’t be performed there. Shortages of medicines and oxygen masks remain. What kind of vision is this?” she questioned.

Debate on Women’s Safety

When asked to respond to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial statement, “Wherever you see SP men, daughters are afraid,” Sonkar condemned the remarks. “People are now seeing through these statements. The public was initially promised strong law and order, but NCRB data, compiled by the government itself, raises serious concerns,” she said. Referencing the recent Balrampur incident, Sonkar described how a young girl, chased by a group of men on motorcycles, ran for her life within one kilometer of the SP and DM’s residence—without receiving any help. “This is the reality of law and order in the state,” she added.

Raising Issues in the House

Sonkar asserted that the Samajwadi Party does raise important issues such as the Balrampur case in the assembly. “Perhaps you missed it, but our Leader of Opposition addressed this incident during the session. The government, however, seldom wants to listen to criticism and prefers to boast about its (false) achievements,” Sonkar remarked.

Allegations of Disrespecting Women in the Party

Recently, BJP accused the Samajwadi Party of not affording proper respect to its women MLAs, highlighting the case of MLA Pooja Pal. Deflecting these accusations, Sonkar replied, “Thank you for informing me, as I wasn’t aware of these criticisms. The public is angry because Pooja Pal won on the trust of SP voters but failed to stand with the party when it was needed most—such as supporting party candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Actions have consequences, irrespective of gender. What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong.”

Conclusion

Ragini Sonkar reaffirmed the Samajwadi Party’s commitment to raising issues that matter and dismissed the BJP’s accusations as diversion tactics. “There’s no issue of male or female in the party. The right actions and right people will always be supported,” she concluded.

Reporting from Lucknow, with video journalist Mehndi Hasan, this is Sandeep Kher for Bharat Samachar.