'He Doesn’t Trade In Hate': SP Counters Criticism Over Akhilesh’s Mosque Visit With Posters Promoting Religious Unity

A recent visit by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MP Dimple Yadav to a mosque near Delhi's Parliament Street has sparked political controversy, but the SP leadership is responding with a strong message of unity. As criticism poured in from both ruling BJP leaders and certain religious clerics, SP leaders in Lucknow countered with posters emphasizing Akhilesh's inclusive approach.

The posters installed late Thursday near the SP headquarters carry the message: “Akhilesh is the one who doesn’t trade in hate; he doesn’t politicize temples or mosques.” The initiative, led by party leader Mohammad Ikhlaq, appears to be a direct response to those questioning the intent behind Akhilesh’s religious outreach.

Images featured in the posters show Akhilesh Yadav with leaders from multiple faiths sitting with Hindu saints, attending a mosque, and standing with Sikh community members. The visual narrative underscores SP’s positioning of Akhilesh as a secular leader who engages across religious lines without political opportunism.

Responding indirectly to critics, Ikhlaq noted, “For you, worship is political ground; for us, faith is a symbol of love.” The SP's communication clearly seeks to counter the narrative that Akhilesh’s mosque visit was a political ploy. While some conservative voices, such as cleric Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi, expressed dissatisfaction over Dimple Yadav’s attire during the visit, SP’s broader messaging has focused on religious harmony and respect for all faiths.

With these posters and public statements, the Samajwadi Party is drawing a line between divisive politics and inclusive leadership.