Uttar Pradesh politics: Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav clash

Political tensions are rising in Uttar Pradesh as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) clash over identity and governance ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

BSP leader Mayawati criticized SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, stating that adopting the color blue—a symbol associated with Dalit interests—does not equate to being an Ambedkarite. This follows Yadav’s recent introduction of a blue uniform for the SP student wing and his appearance wearing a blue scarf, moves interpreted as attempts to court Dalit voters. Mayawati further dismissed the Congress party as a ‘sinking ship’ in response to discussions regarding the political future of her nephew, Akash Anand.

Separately, Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of attempting to suppress the Samajwadi Party by restricting its events. Yadav alleged that police were deployed to prevent party workers from conducting programs on Teachers' Day and that authorities denied permission for a scheduled event in Bulandshahr, citing the month of Sawan. He also criticized the state administration for its handling of floods and environmental conservation issues.