Got nothing to do with BJP: Gopal Ji

Gorakhpur: Jan Satta Dal (Democratic) senior leader and MLC Akshay Pratap Singh alias Gopal Ji bristled when asked about a possible alliance with the BJP for the 2027 Assembly elections. Speaking to party workers during a review meeting at Gorakhpur Circuit House on Sunday, he retorted, "What do I have to do with the BJP? Talk about my party, not about them."

He clarified that while no one can predict future political equations, his priority was to strengthen his own party.

"Many parties emerged in the state, but the moment we formed ours, we became the third force. We are fighting for the top position," he said, stressing that his party neither maintained friendship nor enmity and raised only issues.

Taking a dig at Congress over the voters' list controversy, he said discrepancies have existed since independence and blamed successive govts, adding, "If the ruling side is right, it should be acknowledged; if wrong, it should be opposed."

Raising farmers' concerns, he slammed GST on agricultural equipment and poor state of cattle shelters. He also promised IVF facilities for poor women in govt hospitals if his party came to power. "Unlike others, we fought elections alone and stand as the state's third-largest party," he asserted.