LUCKNOW, July 15 -- Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging that its school merger policy is a conspiracy to deprive the children of poor families of education.

"The government's decision to close more than 10,000 primary schools is going to destroy the future of children. BJP spends billions of rupees on its publicity but the government does not have money for schools," the SP chief alleged in a statement. He also alleged that the UP government has ruined the education system in the state.

"Closing schools is a part of BJP's conspiracy. Children of poor families study in council primary schools. The BJP government wants to deprive the poor of education by closing schools. Educa...