Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Circulating Hate Videos Ahead of Polls
SP chief links viral Badaun assault clip to alleged bid to polarise voters before Assembly elections
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately circulating inflammatory content on social media to disturb communal harmony ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, the SP president referred to a viral video from Badaun in which a man is allegedly seen assaulting three individuals, including an elderly person, while making objectionable remarks about their religious identity. The victims were reported to be Muslims, while the accused was described as a Bajrang Dal activist.
Yadav cautioned people to “remain alert,” alleging that provocative clips are intentionally amplified before elections to create division. He also cited instances from 2014, claiming that misleading videos were circulated on messaging platforms to trigger unrest.
References to Past Communal Tensions
The former chief minister alleged that similar tactics had been used in the past to inflame tensions. He referred to earlier incidents where provocative acts were allegedly staged and later led to legal action against several political workers.
According to Yadav, such controversies are often highlighted to divert attention from governance issues, including civic negligence and law-and-order concerns.
Remarks on FIR Against Seer
On the FIR registered under the POCSO Act against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the SP leader claimed the move was aimed at targeting the seer rather than addressing administrative lapses. He questioned why action was not taken against officials in earlier incidents involving religious figures.
He also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, raising questions over what he described as selective responses to controversies involving religious groups.
Fresh Political Offer
Taking a swipe at speculation of internal discord within the BJP, Yadav reiterated his earlier political remark that if any deputy chief minister secures the support of 100 MLAs, the Samajwadi Party would back that leader for the chief minister’s post. He said the “offer” would remain open for a week, echoing a similar statement he made in 2022.
The BJP has not yet responded to the allegations.
