Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Yogi Adityanath, Asks ‘Who Looks Like a Mafia?’

Akhilesh Yadav escalated his criticism of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, challenging who resembles a mafia member. Yogi responded by accusing the SP of protecting criminals and attacking Hindu religious leaders. Hindu groups, including the VHP, condemned Yadav’s remarks and demanded an apology.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav escalated his verbal spat with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, responding to accusations that he leads a mafia. Yadav sarcastically suggested comparing their photographs to determine who resembles a mafia member. "Look at my picture and his, tell me who looks like a mafia," Yadav remarked during a press conference, drawing laughter from fellow SP leaders.

This was in response to allegations from Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Gangwar, who earlier called Yadav a "leader of mafia and criminals." Gangwar claimed Yadav has been making erratic statements since losing in recent elections, referencing Yadav’s associations with controversial figures like Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari.

On Wednesday, Yogi Adityanath fired back at Yadav’s earlier remarks, accusing the Samajwadi Party of denigrating religious leaders and aligning with criminals. He criticized Yadav's comment that likened a “mathadheesh” (head of a mutt) to a mafia, accusing the SP of “rubbing their noses in front of criminals.”

Adityanath also blamed the Samajwadi Party for past governance failures, saying the SP "exploited the youth, forced farmers to commit suicide, and caused the migration of Hindu traders from Kairana."

Also Read: PM Modi Criticizes Rahul Gandhi's 'Devta' Remark, Calls It 'Naxal Mindset'

Yadav’s statement equating religious leaders with mafias also drew backlash from Hindu groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP condemned the remarks as "highly objectionable" and demanded an apology. VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain accused Yadav of disrespecting Hindu beliefs and alleged that the INDIA alliance, to which SP belongs, remained silent on the issue.

Jain warned of potential political repercussions, stating, "If Akhilesh Yadav and his alliance leaders do not apologize to the Hindu society and revered saints, they will face a strong democratic response."