Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP Over ABVP Protest Incident

Lucknow, Sep 4 (PTI) - In a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the ruling party of being "loyal to none," following protests by ABVP workers outside the residence of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar. The demonstrations were instigated by Rajbhar's controversial remark labeling the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) as "goondas."

Yadav took the opportunity to address both the BJP and SBSP, asserting that the BJP's treatment of its political allies has rendered them incapable of facing their own communities and led to their "political ruin." He remarked, "BJP is loyal to none… Till yesterday, its own 'Parishad' and 'Vahini' were fighting, and now the party is instigating demonstrations even at the homes of its so-called allies."

The SP leader accused the BJP of harboring a "divisive mindset," leading to internal rifts. He also commented on the party's "money-minded" allies, who are beginning to realize that, while the BJP might boost them financially, it would never accord them respect. He alleged that the BJP's strategy involves using allies before discarding them. Senior police officers are also allegedly resorting to pushing junior personnel forward to bear the brunt of BJP's front organizations' misbehavior on the streets.

Yadav shared a video on X showing policemen addressing ABVP protesters as "bhai" during a demonstration on Wednesday night. Though he did not name the SBSP directly, Yadav criticized the BJP's impact on its allies, remarking that their political image has been tarnished, referencing the yellow color associated with the SBSP in his comments.

Om Prakash Rajbhar, a BJP ally and a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government, sparked controversy by calling the ABVP "goonda," leading to a protest outside his Lucknow residence. ABVP workers reportedly threw stones during the demonstration.

Earlier, ABVP members had protested at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University over a law course's alleged lack of affiliation, and police confronted these demonstrators. The confrontation left several students injured and a glass panel at the Gadia police outpost broken. ABVP workers claim Rajbhar supported the police action and demanded his apology and removal from office, even burning his effigy as part of their protest.

ABVP national secretary Ankit Shukla condemned Rajbhar's remarks, demanding an apology from him and urging the state government to sack him. In response, Arun Rajbhar, Om Prakash Rajbhar's son, released a video statement condemning the protest, alleging vandalism, stone-pelting, and attempts to intimidate his family. "This is hooliganism, not student activism," he said.