Lucknow erupted in political drama as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav unleashed a sharp critique against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, centering on the controversial remarks involving Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters, Yadav didn’t hold back, declaring full agreement with the Shankaracharya’s statements on the CM.
‘Can any Chief Minister who calls himself a Yogi speak to a revered Shankaracharya like that?’ Yadav questioned, highlighting what he sees as a shocking lapse in decorum. ‘Is such poor conduct even possible?’ This verbal salvo comes amid rising tensions over the Shankaracharya’s public criticism of Yogi, which has now become ammunition for opposition leaders.
The exchange underscores deepening rifts in UP politics, where religious figures’ opinions are increasingly politicized. Yadav’s endorsement amplifies the Shankaracharya’s voice, positioning the SP as defenders of traditional values against perceived governmental arrogance.
In a related development boosting SP ranks, former Congress leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui formally joined the party alongside his wife and seven other leaders during a Sunday event in Lucknow. Akhilesh personally welcomed them, signaling a strategic outreach to consolidate opposition forces ahead of future elections.
Siddiqui, a veteran with roots in the Bahujan Samaj Party where he served as a cabinet minister under Mayawati, has navigated UP’s turbulent political landscape. After parting ways with BSP and later Congress—citing personal reasons in his resignation to Mallikarjun Kharge—he praised the Yadav family legacy. ‘I’ve always been inspired by Mulayam Singh Yadav and considered Akhilesh my leader,’ he stated in a press conference.
This defection highlights the fluid alliances in Indian politics, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where caste dynamics and leadership loyalties drive shifts. Siddiqui’s experience in key departments during BSP rule adds heft to SP’s organizational strength. As parties gear up, such moves could reshape the opposition landscape, challenging the BJP’s dominance.
Yadav’s broadside against Yogi not only fuels the Shankaracharya controversy but also sets the tone for SP’s aggressive campaign strategy, questioning the CM’s yogic persona against his administrative style. With elections on the horizon, expect this narrative to gain traction among voters disillusioned by perceived inconsistencies.