Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP-led govts over issues affecting jewellers and the gold trade, alleging that govt policies have pushed small traders towards economic distress.In a statement issued on Sunday, Akhilesh said, “Concerns regarding the safety of jewellers and incidents of daylight robberies involving gold traders have not yet been addressed. Calls related to ‘sonabandi’ (advisory not to purchase gold) and a sharp increase in import duty on gold have created anxiety in the sector.”He alleged that small jewellers and traditional goldsmiths were already struggling to compete with large corporate jewellery chains entering the market. According to him, recent policy decisions would further weaken small traders and eventually benefit large companies.The former chief minister claimed that if smaller jewellers were forced out of business within the next few years, major corporate firms would dominate the jewellery market by opening showrooms across cities and towns and selling ornaments at high prices.Akhilesh alleged that economic policies of the BJP govt adversely affected businesses and livelihoods across sectors.“When those investing heavily in the jewellery business are facing uncertainty, one can imagine the condition of other small traders and businesses,” he said.SP chief calls for restraint in language Amid controversy over recent remarks allegedly made by party functionary Rajkumar Bhati regarding the Brahmin community, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav asked party workers to exercise restraint in language and behaviour and ensure social harmony.The remarks came during a meeting between Akhilesh and Bhati at the SP state headquarters in Lucknow, where discussions were held on social and political issues.SP chief instructed party workers to avoid making statements or engaging in conduct that could hurt or insult any section of society.Akhilesh said social justice could only be achieved by protecting the Constitution and democratic values. He also stressed the need for unity among different social groups to strengthen the party’s political movement ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.Referring to the party’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) outreach strategy, he said the SP’s social policy was based on respect for all sections of society, including backward classes, Dalits, minorities, deprived upper castes and women.
