Akhilesh Yadav (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said there was a “fierce contest” between the falling rupee and the BJP’s image. His remarks came a day after the rupee briefly crossed the 95 mark against the US dollar in intra-day trade before settling at 94.70, amid volatility linked to the Iran war.“In the race to fall lower, there’s a fierce contest underway between the rupee and the BJP’s image,” Yadav wrote on X in Hindi.He also alleged that as more cases of corruption and misconduct involving BJP leaders and their associates come to light, the party’s image was worsening.“As the misdeeds, scandals and corruption of BJP members are being increasingly exposed, the BJP’s image keeps plummeting further,” he claimed. “Revelations about BJP members and their associates are indeed happening, but no resignations are forthcoming,” Akhilesh further said, adding that the BJP had reached the “absolute peak” of what he called “moral bankruptcy”.Opposition leaders, including Congress, stepped up their attacks on the BJP as economic concerns and rising prices amid the Iran war.DK Shivakumar and Randeep Singh Surjewala addressed a joint press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where they spoke about increasing prices of essential items and alleged cuts in welfare support.“People are suffering due to rising prices. The government’s repeated mistakes have added to their hardships. The challenges arising from the war have further strained ordinary citizens,” Shivakumar said. He pointed to shortages and rising costs, adding, “Gas supply is scarce, hotels are struggling to get cylinders, and even electricity has become unreliable. Firewood is increasingly difficult to obtain, and cylinder prices have gone up by ₹60. Yet, whenever we take measures to help, we are met with criticism.”