LUCKNOW, June 2 -- Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday heavily criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state, claiming its policies have driven citizens to the brink of despair, with some resorting to desperate acts like self-immolation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yadav highlighted the protest of contractual drivers and conductors of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) in front of the CM's residence. He called an incident where some employees allegedly attempted suicide by dousing themselves in petrol "extremely unfortunate".

"The callous BJP government must immediately take cognizance of the demands of these drivers and conduct...