Lucknow: Amid a raging controversy over recent statements made by a party functionary concerning Brahmins and the use of objectionable language against the Prime Minister by another party member, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday asked his cadre to be mindful of their conduct. He emphatically decried the use of words or actions that could hurt anyone's sentiments.
"Everyone of us will have to ensure that our conduct does not leave anyone pained. Party workers and leaders should be mindful that their statements or conduct are not against anyone. Beware of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it always conspires to defame the Samajwadi Party," Akhilesh said.
Akhilesh's appeal comes at a time when First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against two SP functionaries for their alleged objectionable remarks, which have been criticised by the BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Congress.
SP spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati's video clip went viral, where he purportedly disrespected the Brahmin community at a recent event in Delhi. Separate FIRs were lodged against Bhati in Ghaziabad and Noida on charges of promoting enmity and hurting sentiments. Bhati offered his "unconditional apology in case sentiments of any community were hurt," claiming that the video in question was "selectively edited" and that he was quoting a proverb.
Earlier, the SP found itself in a tight spot when its Mahoba MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi was booked for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Akhilesh later publicly disapproved of the language used against the PM.
SP Seeks Financial Aid for NEET Aspirant's Kin
Lucknow: Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the death of NEET aspirant Ritik Mishra of Lakhimpur, who allegedly died by suicide after the exam was cancelled due to a paper leak. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family. A delegation of SP functionaries met Ritik's family at their residence in Dharaura and submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding ex gratia relief of Rs 2 crore for the family. The memorandum also demanded Rs 50,000 for each NEET aspirant as compensation for conveyance and the expulsion of ministers heading departments involved with NEET 2026.
UP Polls Will Be Acid Test of Democracy: Akhilesh
Lucknow: Accusing the BJP of conspiring to defame the SP, Akhilesh Yadav said the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will be an Agnipareeksha (acid test) of democracy, where the BJP will misuse government machinery, but the people will rise to check foul play and preserve democracy. "The BJP will not be able to stand its ground before the people of the state," Akhilesh said.
