Latest news with #AkhileshYadav
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Etawah incident ploy to divide UP along caste lines: Akhilesh
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the recent assault on a non-Brahmin katha vachak and his team in Etawah. He termed the incident part of a larger conspiracy to divide the state along caste lines. "The BJP is deploying its 'planted people' with strategic surnames from neighbouring states to carry out its infiltrative politics and disturb social harmony in the state. But the people of Uttar Pradesh are aware of the truth. Society here will not be divided by the actions of a few negative elements — it will emerge even stronger," he said. Questioning the BJP central leadership's 'lack of trust' in its UP unit, the former CM said: "Is there not even one BJP leader in UP whom those sitting in Delhi can trust? Is that why people from outside are being brought in to stage conspiracies and disrupt peace here?" Further aiming at the Yogi Adityanath govt, the former chief minister accused the BJP of opening the state's borders to "anarchic elements" who, he claimed, enter Uttar Pradesh, disturb peace, and leave unchallenged. Referring to the assault on the katha vachak and his team, including a visually impaired dholak player, Yadav said, "A handful of dominance-obsessed individuals didn't even spare the artist who 'sees the world through rhythm'. By snatching his dholak and levelling baseless accusations, such people have lost the sympathy of even their own community." He condemned the attackers as "inhuman and un-Indian", saying that those who truly revere India's cultural heritage are always compassionate and kind-hearted. Rallying support under the banner of PDA- his party's inclusive alliance for Pichhde (backward classes), Dalits and Alpsankhyak (minorities) - Yadav said the incident has united marginalised communities. "
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Etawah Kathavachak case: PDA stands with every victim, assures Akhilesh
In an oblique reference to the Etawah protest on Friday, but without naming an incident, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of bringing people from neighbouring states and misusing the 'surname' of their own planted people to create a divide in society. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav (HT File Photo) The SP chief also claimed that the entire PDA society was standing with every victim of the 'Etawah Kathavachak PDA Insult Case'. Speaking to the media at a private function in Lucknow on Friday, the SP chief said, 'Each and every child knows the truth of the 'Ghuspaithia (infiltrator) politics' that BJP is doing in the state by bringing people from neighbouring states and misusing the surname of its own 'planted people'. People of UP will not be divided by the mistakes of some negative people, but will become even stronger.' Taking a dig at UP and central governments, the SP chief said, 'Today is there not even one BJP member in UP on whom the people of Delhi can trust? Perhaps this is the case, that is why they are bringing people from outside and hatching a new conspiracy. The truth is that this is a challenge for the people of Lucknow that people are repeatedly coming in from across the border of UP to destabilise UP and are going back comfortably after disturbing the peace of the state. Will the BJP government of UP now open the borders of its state for any anarchist element? If this is so, then the BJP government of UP should openly declare it or send its police to arrest those anarchist elements.' 'If this does not happen, then tomorrow more such people will come and defy the BJP government of UP and the people of UP will accept that the BJP government has become an ineffective government in UP, it has neither any leadership nor any commitment to the law and order of UP or even peace,' said Akhilesh. Speaking on the Etawah incident, he said, 'A few dominant people did not even spare the artiste. By snatching his dholak and accusing him, such negative people have lost the sympathy of their own society. The true worshippers of our country's culture are always kind and full of compassion, those who do this are un-Indian and inhuman people who are rejected on human standards. Today the entire PDA society is raising its voice with every victim of the 'Etawah Kathavachan PDA Insult Case'. 'PDA' is a new echo of the new drum against oppression.' 'PDA is a collective, social, community declaration of new consciousness and unity among the traditionally neglected and oppressed people who have suffered the triple curse of 'pain, sorrow and humiliation'. PDA is not a call for revenge but for change in thinking. PDA is a determined declaration of positive-progressive 'rule of social justice' that removes inequality and ensures equality, parity, dignity and prestige,' said the SP chief.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Akhilesh Yadav backs Mamata's charge of ‘backdoor NRC', says BJP can do anything
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav expressed strong backing for West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's accusations against the Election Commission of India for trying to implement the NRC through the backdoor, saying that any concern raised by the Trinamool Congress chief about the Bharatiya Janata Party needs to be taken seriously. Akhilesh Yadav said that if Mamata Banerjee was saying something about the BJP, then the opposition parties have to be alert. (ANI) Banerjee on Thursday lambasted the poll body for allegedly isolating voters born between July 1987 and December 2004, and seeking proof of their citizenship in the name of 'special intensive revision of electoral rolls'. She alleged that the ECI was acting as "a stooge of the BJP". In reaction to the allegations levelled by the West Bengal CM, Yadav told reporters in Lucknow, "The BJP can do anything through the back door... If CM Mamata Banerjee says something about the BJP conspiring, then we have to be alert." Mamata Banerjee's accusations on ECI TMC chief Mamata Banerjee told reporters in Purba Medinipur district's Digha area that she had called the press conference in a hurry to address the "matter of utmost concern". She told them that she had received two lengthy letters from the ECI. She said that while she has not gone through them in detail, an overview of the letters indicate that the "Commission is now seeking a declaration form from voters born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, which is Annexure D in one of the letters, where they will have to submit birth certificates of both parents as proof of citizenship". "I don't understand the reason behind the ECI move or the rationale behind selecting these dates. This is nothing short of a scam. I seek clarification from the Commission on whether they are trying to implement the NRC through backdoors. In fact, this looks to be more dangerous than the NRC which every political party in opposition must resist," she added. Mamata Banerjee alleged that the letters were also sent to the Bihar government; however, nothing will happen there as it is under a BJP-led government. ALSO READ | ECI to begin special intensive revision of electoral roll in Bihar "Their real target is Bengal. They want to delete the names of valid young voters. Many parents will not be able to furnish their birth certificates. They are targeting the migrant worker community of Bengal, students, villagers and uneducated voters," she alleged. Mamata Banerjee said that a "dangerous game" is taking place and it is "alarming" for democracy. She warned that while Bengal was the real target of the BJP behind the facade of the ECI, other opposition-ruled states would also soon come under the radar.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Akhilesh Yadav Condemns Hair-Cutting Incident, Questions UP Government's Response
Political tensions have escalated in Uttar Pradesh following controversial incidents involving storytellers in Etawah district, prompting Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav to launch a scathing attack against the state government on Thursday. The former Chief Minister delivered sharp criticism during a press conference in Lucknow, questioning the administration's handling of the situation and its implications for India's international reputation. Akhilesh Yadav expressed outrage over reports that a 16-year-old storyteller had his hair forcibly cut during the incident, describing the act as deeply humiliating and questioning the state government's failure to prevent such occurrences. The SP leader repeatedly emphasized the traumatic nature of the assault, stating that having one's hair cut against their will would be devastating for any individual, particularly someone so young. During his address, Akhilesh Yadav directly challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, asking why the state's top official appeared to be "sleeping" while such incidents unfolded. He criticized the timing of the government's response, suggesting that authorities failed to act when their intervention was most needed, allowing the situation to deteriorate and storytellers to face continued harassment throughout the night. The SP President raised concerns about India's global image, questioning what kind of "Vishwa Guru" or world teacher the country could claim to be when such incidents occur within its borders. He suggested that international observers, including global leaders, would be watching how India handles such matters, potentially affecting the nation's reputation on the world stage. In a particularly pointed comment, Akhilesh Yadav referenced former US President Donald Trump, speculating about the international reaction if news of the Etawah incident reached global leaders. He implied that such knowledge could have significant diplomatic consequences, emphasizing the need for the state government to address these issues more effectively to maintain India's standing in the international community. The controversy has its roots in ongoing tensions involving storytellers in the Etawah region, with reports suggesting a pattern of harassment and assault against individuals from the community. Akhilesh Yadav drew parallels to previous incidents, mentioning a case in Mahoba where a married Dalit family faced humiliation over footwear-related issues, suggesting a broader pattern of social discrimination and administrative failure. The situation intensified on Thursday when members of the Ahir Regiment and Yadav organizations staged a demonstration outside Bakewar police station in Etawah. The protesters demanded the release of Gagan Yadav and called for action against those responsible for the assault on storytellers. The demonstration turned violent with reports of stone pelting and gunfire, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the incident. The protesters blocked roads and created significant disruption, reflecting the community's anger over the treatment of storytellers and the perceived inadequate response from law enforcement agencies. The confrontation at the police station underscores the depth of resentment among community members and their determination to seek justice for the alleged victims. Akhilesh Yadav emphasized his commitment to constitutional principles during his criticism, contrasting his approach with what he portrayed as the state government's failure to uphold law and order. He questioned why such incidents continue to occur under the current administration, suggesting systematic failures in protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining social harmony. The SP leader's reference to the Chief Minister's early morning routine appeared to be a pointed jab at Yogi Adityanath's well-known habit of starting his day at 4 AM, implying that despite his early rising, the CM failed to address the nighttime harassment of storytellers in Etawah. This criticism highlights the political nature of the dispute and the opposition's strategy to hold the ruling party accountable for law and order issues across the state.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Will help strengthen Tejashwi in Bihar assembly polls: Akhilesh
: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said his party would help strengthen Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav in the Bihar assembly polls that are due later this year. SP national president Akhilesh Yadav (ANI) 'We will help strengthen Tejashwi Yadav and will be seen standing with RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav,' former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said to media persons after celebrating Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj's birth anniversary at SP headquarters here on Thursday. Yadav said his party has resolved to follow the path shown by Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, Dr BR Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav confirmed that he spoke to Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tej Pratap Yadav, who has been expelled from the RJD and the family, via video call but was not aware that this would turn out to be so important. Akhilesh Yadav said Tej Pratap Yadav had called him twice and he (Akhilesh) called back via video call. Akhilesh Yadav, during the video call, asked Tej Pratap Yadav from where the latter proposes to contest elections . 'This is what politicians ask each other,' Akhilesh Yadav said. In a video circulated on social media, Tej Pratap Yadav is seen telling Akhilesh Yadav that he will take a decision about this after meeting the SP chief in Lucknow. Akhilesh Yadav further said the BJP would lose the Bihar elections. The people of Bihar have realised the game plan of the BJP, which changed the chief minister after the Maharashtra elections, he added. He accused the BJP of violating constitutional provisions whenever it came to power. Asserting that those opposing socialism were opposed to secularism too, he said the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) symbolised positive politics and the BJP, with a negative mindset, could not accept the same. About the Etawah incident where a religious storyteller's head was allegedly tonsured by a group of upper caste men, Yadav, in a lighter vein, said US President Donald Trump would be surprised to know about the same. Asked about the ban on meat shops during the Kanwar Yatra, he said the BJP leaders do not practise what they preach. Terming the BJP as Bharatiya Jamin Party, he alleged it was grabbing the land of others.
