During a scholarship distribution programme in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the previous government, indirectly targeting Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, saying a leader who “wakes up at noon” cannot focus on the poor or education. He highlighted improvements in scholarship distribution under the Direct Benefit Transfer system, with Rs 944.55 crore transferred to 18.78 lakh students in 2025–26, and praised initiatives like Operation Kayakalp, Kasturba Gandhi schools, Atal Residential Schools, Abhyudaya Coaching Scheme, and sports infrastructure expansion.
In response, Akhilesh Yadav hit back on social media, accusing Adityanath of spreading misinformation and creating false narratives about education reforms. He cited protests by teachers and Shiksha Mitras during the BJP regime and claimed that education was not a priority for the ruling party, asserting that an educated society challenges conservative forces.
