In a fiery address from Lucknow’s Samajwadi Party office, Akhilesh Yadav has taken direct aim at CM Yogi Adityanath’s demeanor following comments by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Yadav expressed unequivocal support: ‘I 100% agree with the Shankaracharya.’
Questioning the CM’s self-proclaimed yogic identity, Yadav asked pointedly, ‘Would a true Yogi treat a holy figure like Shankaracharya with such disrespect? Can behavior deteriorate to this level?’ The remarks stem from the Shankaracharya’s recent public statements criticizing Yogi, igniting a fresh political firestorm.
This isn’t isolated rhetoric. UP’s political arena is buzzing with such clashes, where spiritual leaders’ views intersect with governance critiques. Yadav’s stance rallies SP supporters, portraying the party as guardians of sanatan dharma against ruling party overreach.
Adding to the day’s headlines, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, recently resigned from Congress, was inducted into SP by Akhilesh himself. Accompanied by his spouse and seven associates, the event marks a significant gain for the opposition.
A prominent face in UP politics, Siddiqui began with BSP, rising to cabinet ranks under Mayawati before switching to Congress last month over ‘unavoidable reasons.’ At the press meet, he lauded the Yadavs: ‘Mulayam Singh influenced me always, and Akhilesh is my chosen leader.’
Siddiqui’s political journey—from BSP minister handling vital portfolios to Congress exit—reflects the opportunistic yet calculated nature of alliances in the state. His move bolsters SP’s minority outreach and organizational depth.
As Yadav sharpens attacks on Yogi’s ‘yogi’ credentials amid the Shankaracharya spat, it signals SP’s playbook for upcoming battles: blend cultural critique with coalition-building. Voters watching this unfold may see it as a test of leadership authenticity in a polarized electorate.