Uttar Pradesh leaders spar over cabinet expansion, women's quota and election superstitions

Ahead of the 2026 Uttar Pradesh assembly election, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the impending cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, questioning the process with a sarcastic post: “दिल्ली से पर्ची आ गई क्या?” He also called for a reservation of seats for women in the new ministry.

Opposition leader Om Prakash Rajbhar joined the dispute, mocking Yadav’s personal appearance and alleging reliance on superstitions, tweeting: “अखिलेश जी कुछ भी कर लें, चुनाव टोटकों से नहीं जीता जाता…”. Rajbhar suggested that growing Yadav’s hair was a talismanic tactic, emphasizing that electoral success cannot be bought with charms.

Both posts reflect rising political tension in the state as parties vie for influence ahead of the election, with internal criticism directed at deputy chief ministers and calls for greater gender representation in the cabinet.