Political temperatures soared in Lucknow as Akhilesh Yadav, SP supremo, lambasted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his handling of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s remarks. Endorsing the religious leader fully, Yadav challenged: ‘Can a self-styled Yogi exhibit such deplorable conduct towards a Shankaracharya?’
Addressing the media at party HQ, he emphasized, ‘We agree 100% with the Shankaracharya.’ The controversy traces to the seer’s bold statements on Yogi, now weaponized by the opposition to expose contradictions in the CM’s public persona.
Beyond barbs, SP expanded its fold with Naseemuddin Siddiqui’s high-profile switch from Congress. Akhilesh officiated the induction of Siddiqui, his wife, and seven leaders at a Sunday function, a clear bid to fortify anti-BJP fronts.
A seasoned operator, Siddiqui served as cabinet minister in Mayawati’s BSP government, managing crucial portfolios. Post-BSP, he joined Congress but quit recently due to ‘personal compulsions,’ as per his letter to Kharge. ‘Mulayam Singh always inspired me; Akhilesh is my leader,’ he affirmed publicly.
Siddiqui’s defection underscores relentless horse-trading in UP, where heavyweights like him bring electoral value through networks and expertise. SP gains a tactical edge in minority politics.
Framing Yogi’s ‘Yogi’ title under scrutiny via the Shankaracharya lens, Yadav’s attack is a masterstroke in narrative warfare. It pits spiritual purity against political power, a theme likely to echo in campaigns ahead, galvanizing SP’s base while probing BJP’s vulnerabilities.