Cong targets BJP over privatisation of edu, healthcare

Lucknow: The UP Congress on Friday used a joint conference of teachers and doctors in Lucknow to sharpen its attack on the BJP govt, accusing it of turning education and healthcare into commercial enterprises while neglecting public welfare.

Organised at Gandhi Bhawan in Kaiserbagh on Buddha Purnima and International Workers’ Day, the day-long convention was attended by senior Congress functionaries including AICC general secretary and UP in-charge Avinash Pande, UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate.

Addressing the gathering, Pande described teachers and doctors as “nation builders” and said both communities play a crucial role in shaping society and defending social justice. He also reiterated Congress’s commitment to restoring the old pension scheme if the party forms the govt again, alleging that the BJP govt had deprived employees, teachers and soldiers of crucial social security.

Rai accused the BJP of systematically privatising schools, colleges and hospitals, claiming this had made quality education and healthcare increasingly inaccessible for ordinary citizens.

“Education and medical care have been reduced to business models under the current govt, directly impacting the poor,” Rai said, adding that vacancies in public institutions and deteriorating govt hospitals reflected policy failures.

Shrinate also criticised the govt over unfilled teaching and medical posts, alleging that inadequate recruitment had weakened essential public services. Taking a political swipe at BJP, she questioned its credibility on educational reforms.

The event began with floral tributes to Lord Buddha and included the launch of short films highlighting the role of teachers and doctors in nation-building.

Congress leaders said the outreach was aimed at mobilising influential professional communities ahead of future political battles in UP.
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