Lucknow: Political tensions escalated in Lucknow after BJP MLC Subhash Yaduvansh put up a hoarding at Atal Chowk targeting Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. The hoarding questioned Akhilesh’s silence on a controversial remark made by cleric Sajid Rashidi about SP MP Dimple Yadav, asking: “How can someone who stays silent on his wife’s insult protect the women of the state?”
The BJP has launched a coordinated campaign attacking Akhilesh, accusing him of not defending his wife. However, political observers note the BJP’s selective reaction, as many party leaders have previously downplayed or ignored misogynistic remarks made by individuals within or close to their ecosystem.
Responding for the first time, Akhilesh said on Monday, “We wore the same dress to Parliament that we wear everywhere else,” indirectly addressing both Rashidi’s comment and BJP’s criticism. Analysts see this episode as a political move by the BJP to frame a personal insult as a larger issue of women’s safety, while ignoring systemic issues and previous instances of gender-based injustice.
Critics argue that BJP’s outrage seems more political than principled aimed not at protecting women, but at cornering a political rival ahead of election season.
Minister claims silence is to protect vote bank
Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh Women's Welfare Minister Baby Rani Maurya has criticized SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's silence regarding an offensive comment made by a cleric about his wife and SP MP, Dimple Yadav. Maurya stated that Akhilesh Yadav's silence on the Cleric's inappropriate remark against Dimple Yadav proves that for political gain, the SP is willing to compromise women's honor.
The minister accused Akhilesh Yadav of prioritizing political self-interest over women's dignity, suggesting his silence indicates support for fringe elements. She also criticized Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi for their silence on the issue, questioning their "Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon" (I am a girl, I can fight) slogan. Maurya emphasized that this is an issue concerning every woman in India.
