NDA Set for Third Straight Term in UP, Claims Apna Dal (S) Chief Patel

Pratapgarh: Apna Dal (S) president and Union Minister Anupriya Patel slammed the opposition on Saturday, saying that carrying a copy of the Constitution around does not change power and that people need to work at the grassroots level.

Addressing a programme marking the death anniversary of Apna Dal founder Sone Lal Patel at the GIC ground here, she expressed confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the government in Uttar Pradesh for a third consecutive term.

Patel urged party workers to work with full strength for the upcoming Assembly elections and ensure that every vote goes to the NDA. She said strengthening the alliance was a shared goal, and Apna Dal (S) would stand firmly with its candidates.

On seat-sharing within the NDA, Patel said discussions would be held with alliance partners.

Without naming any party, she alleged that those in power at the Centre and in the state had never seriously considered the interests of backward classes.

She hit out at the opposition and said, "Carrying a copy of the Constitution around does not change power and that people need to work at the grassroots level."

Patel said she established a medical college in Pratapgarh when she became a Union minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later named the institution after Sone Lal Patel in his honour, she added.

Apna Dal (S) national vice-president and Uttar Pradesh minister Ashish Patel, party MLAs, senior office-bearers and workers attended the programme.