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Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Akhilesh Yadav
    Akhilesh Yadav

    Akhilesh Yadav

    President, Samajwadi Party
    Birth DetailsJuly 01, 1973 | Saifai, Etawah, UP
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationB.E. in Civil Environmental Engineering, University of Mysore; Master’s Degree (Environmental Engineering), University of Sydney
    Akhilesh Yadav’s Journey so far ...
    • Akhilesh Yadav went to Rashtriya Military School in Dholpur, Rajasthan, and then did his graduation and postgraduation in Civil Environmental Engineering from the University of Mysore and University of Sydney, respectively
    • Akhilesh Yadav was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 2000 and served as a member in the Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution, Committee on Ethics, Committee on Environment & Forests and the Committee on Science & Technologies during his first term. He was elected from the constituency of Kannauj
    • He was re-elected for a second term in the Lok Sabha in 2004. During this term, Yadav was put in charge of the Committee on Estimates, Committee on Urban Development and Committee on Provision of Computers for MP offices, officers of Lok Sabha secretariat, among others, as a member
    • In 2009, he got a third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha and was appointed as a member in the Committee on Science & Technology, Committee on Environment & Forests and the JPC on the 2G spectrum scam.
    • In 2012, he led the Samajwadi Party to power in Uttar Pradesh with a stunning majority, routing Mayawati-led BSP. The party won 224 seats in the 403-member house
    • Following the party’s impressive performance, he resigned from the Lok Sabha to become a member of UP’s state legislative council
    • Yadav was elected as the leader of the Samajwadi Legislative Party on March 10, 2012
    • He took oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 15, 2012, becoming the youngest person to get elected to the office. His term as UP’s Chief Minister ended in 2017
    • During his tenure as the CM of UP, he was credited with launching several infrastructure projects in the state
    • In 2019, he was re-elected for a fourth term in the Lok Sabha during which he served on the Standing Committee on Energy, and on the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Electronics and Information & Technology and the Ministry of Communications as a member

    Before you go ...
    • His father Mulayam Singh Yadav is the founder of the Samajwadi Party. He has served as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh 3 times and was also India’s defence minister between 1996 and 1998
    • He is married to Dimple Yadav who is also a politician and has served as a Member of Parliament
    • Being an avid football player during his college days, Yadav takes a keen interest in the sport

    Last Updated: 25/08/2021

    Akhilesh Yadav News

    • Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar accused Akhilesh Yadav of lying about women's reservation, claiming the Samajwadi Party opposed the bill fearing BJP credit. Yadav, however, stated opposition parties support women's reservation but want SC, ST, and OBC inclusion. Prime Minister Modi criticized the opposition for blocking the bill, calling it an insult to women.
    • Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using the Women's Reservation Act to delay the census and demanded inclusion of OBC and Muslim women in the quota. He questioned the BJP's commitment to women's representation, citing a lack of female leaders in its parent organization and BJP-ruled states.
    • Factory workers in Noida staged violent protests demanding a salary hike. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress chief Ajay Rai criticized the BJP government's policies, alleging they favor capitalists over laborers. The unrest saw incidents of arson and vandalism. Authorities have deployed heavy police presence and are working to control the situation.
    • Posters referencing the Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar' have appeared in Lucknow and Amethi, targeting Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav with a provocative slogan. The campaign, attributed to 'Youth Against Mafia,' draws a comparison to Karachi's Lyari, suggesting a law-and-order narrative linked to Yadav's past tenure.
    • A 2023-batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, Rinkoo Singh Rahee, has requested repatriation to his parent PCS cadre due to a prolonged lack of defined responsibilities. He cited a moral dilemma over drawing salary without meaningful work and a sense of unsuitability within the system, while his family appealed for a dignified assignment.
    • Assam's electoral landscape is heating up as the BJP finalizes seat sharing with AGP, while Congress and its ally AJP engage with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party and LJP are assessing their prospects, and CM Sarma accuses Congress leader Pawan Khera of attempting to contact militant groups.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the widespread frustration over LPG cylinder shortages in North India with a satirical couplet. He alleged that the ruling BJP government's 'achhe din' have run empty, leading to long queues and black marketing of cooking gas, impacting even wedding preparations.
    • In February 2024, SP MLAs Manoj Kumar Pandey (Unchahar), Abhay Singh (Gosainganj) and Rakesh Pratap Singh (Gauriganj) cross-voted in favour of BJP candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections, helping the BJP secure an additional seat. After giving them time to reconsider, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav expelled the trio in June 2025.
    • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared disrespecting 'Vande Mataram' a national betrayal. He suggested Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attend RSS shakhas to learn discipline. Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh's transformation since 2017, citing improved investment and economic growth. He also addressed comparisons between Tipu Sultan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, calling Shivaji a national hero.
    • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has countered claims that Uttar Pradesh lacks high-speed train connectivity. She stated that two high-speed corridors pass through the state. Sitharaman also pointed out that the annual railway budget allocation for Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant increase.
    • Participating in the discussion on the budget in the Lok Sabha, Yadav termed the trade understanding "one-sided" and said it would open Indian markets to American agricultural products, severely impacting farmers. "America se deal nahi, dheel (compromise)hui hai," he remarked.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizes the new US-India trade deal. He claims India's market is being handed to America, undermining the 'Make in India' initiative. Yadav questions the government's priorities, highlighting imports of animal feed despite local research. He states this impacts backward classes and Dalits involved in dairy farming.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizes the Union Budget. He claims it benefits multinational companies instead of Indian citizens. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Tripura CM Manik Saha defend the budget. They emphasize its long-term vision for India's economy and development across sectors like health and infrastructure. The budget aims for future growth and welfare.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the government of misusing the Special Intensive Revision exercise. He claims professional agencies are targeting booths where the Samajwadi Party previously won. Yadav alleges this exercise has already influenced election outcomes and similar attempts are being made in West Bengal.
    • Opposition leaders have voiced strong criticism of the Union Budget 2026-27. Akhilesh Yadav claims the budget favors invisible associates of the Bharatiya Janata Party. MPs from Kerala have labeled it an 'anti-Kerala Budget'. Vaiko of MDMK alleges discrimination against Tamil Nadu, particularly impacting its textile industry.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claims a conspiracy is underway to delete opposition voter names in Uttar Pradesh. He alleges selective targeting of PDA communities during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Yadav urges courts, the Election Commission, and journalists to investigate this alleged mega-scam. Notices are being sent to voters whose details do not match older records.
    • Speaking to the media outside the Parliament, Yadav said, "Our take on VB Ram G is very clear. In Uttar Pradesh, almost 800 Gram Sabhas have become urban. The budget is being compromised, which will affect their functioning and the generation of employment as expected."
    • Over 4.52 crore devotees performed a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela. The event saw a brief disruption when Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was stopped from proceeding to the Sangam, sparking a demand for a probe from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
    • Yadav said the Election Commission (EC) conducted the SIR of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly voter list and the State Election Commission simultaneously conducted the exercise for panchayat elections. In both exercises, the work was done by the same booth-level officers, he said.
    • In Uttar Pradesh, political parties are raising eyebrows over recent changes to the electoral roll. The Chief Electoral Officer’s office is fielding a barrage of complaints. A notable exchange on social media erupted when the Election Commission likened the situation to 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf', in response to claims made by the Samajwadi Party.
    • The BJP criticized the DMK-Congress government's apprehensions regarding a lamp lighting custom at Thiruparandkundram hill, calling it anti-Hindu appeasement politics. Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the High Court's decision allowing the practice, emphasizing religious freedom and condemning calls for the judge's impeachment.
    • Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath labeled Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi as 'Do Namune' who flee the country during national crises. He alleged potential Samajwadi Party links in the codeine-based cough syrup case, a claim met with a sharp retort from Yadav, who accused the BJP of publicizing internal party disputes.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav countered CM Yogi Adityanath's 'two namoone' jibe, interpreting it as an admission of internal BJP discord. Adityanath had targeted unnamed leaders in Delhi and Lucknow, implying they flee discussions. Yadav urged the BJP to resolve internal conflicts privately, not publicly.
    • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, calling them individuals who leave the country during national issues. Adityanath linked Samajwadi Party office-bearers to an illegal codeine cough syrup trade. Akhilesh Yadav responded by calling Adityanath's remarks an admission of internal BJP conflict between Delhi and Lucknow.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, head of the Samajwadi Party, has taken a stand for the Aravalli mountain range, calling it crucial for the ecological integrity of the Delhi-NCR region. He warns that if we do not protect these mountains, we risk turning Delhi into the dirtiest city on the planet, making it nearly impossible to host future international gatherings.
    • Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttar Pradesh's electoral roll revision, labeling it an 'NRC in disguise' and a plot to remove voters against the BJP. He met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and BRS leaders in Hyderabad. Yadav emphasized the need for vision in politics and discussed the growing influence of AI.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is carefully navigating the political landscape following a Bihar defeat. He is vocal against Uttar Pradesh's ongoing SIR exercise, urging party workers to ensure all genuine voters are included. Yadav himself completed his SIR form, encouraging others to do the same. He is also supporting families of deceased BLOs, providing financial aid.
    • In 2023, he won the Ghosi by-election with a decisive margin of more than 42,000 votes against BJP leader Dara Singh Chauhan, a result seen as a significant boost for the Samajwadi Party in the Purvanchal belt. He had represented the constituency earlier as well and was known for raising issues linked to rural development and public welfare.
    • In a contentious battle over democracy's foundation, state governments and political entities are challenging the Election Commission's voter list revision efforts. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have filed legal complaints, while the Samajwadi Party is gearing up for a showdown at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, parties in Kerala are pushing for a freeze on the revision until local elections conclude.
    • Following the Bihar election results, opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Special Investigating Agency (SIR) of electoral malpractice. Leaders like Pawan Khera and Akhilesh Yadav voiced their concerns. However, NDA leaders, including Amit Shah and Chirag Paswan, have refuted these claims.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns about repeated intelligence failures after a recent Delhi blast. He also alleged that exit polls for Bihar elections were designed to demoralize opposition workers. Yadav announced the 'PDA Prahari' initiative to ensure voter list accuracy and prevent unfair deletions.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have slammed exit polls predicting an NDA win in Bihar. They assert Tejashwi Yadav will become chief minister, alleging the BJP is manipulating results and attempting to slow down vote counting to 'murder democracy'.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has set a clear goal to win the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party aims to form a government focused on social justice. Yadav also reiterated the long-term ambition for the Samajwadi Party to achieve national party status by the 2029 elections. He criticized the current government's handling of education and healthcare.
    • Uttar Pradesh government mandates singing 'Vande Mataram' in all schools. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizes the move, asserting patriotism cannot be forced. He argues the Constitution guarantees freedom of choice. Muslim leaders also express concerns, citing religious constraints against idol worship. The debate over national songs and anthems continues to spark discussion across the state.
    • Yogi Adityanath labeled Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav as the "three monkeys of INDI Alliance". He accused them of ignoring NDA's achievements and alleged the opposition embraces criminals. Adityanath highlighted free ration and promised to chase infiltrators out of Bihar. He also pledged to build Ma Janaki's temple in Sitamarhi and connect it with Ayodhya.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stated the BJP is using Nitish Kumar for the Bihar Assembly elections. He predicted Tejashwi Yadav will become the chief minister after the Mahagathbandhan wins. Yadav also accused the Election Commission of bias and alleged the BJP plans a scam in electoral roll revisions. Polling in Bihar is scheduled for November 6 and 11.
    • The Samajwadi Party has named 20 prominent campaigners, including Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav, to boost support for INDIA bloc partners in Bihar. SP leader Sanatan Pandey will campaign in Bihar, urging votes for the Mahagathbandhan. The party backs RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate.
    • Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling him a "star divider" rather than a BJP star campaigner in Bihar. Yadav asserted that Bihar's people will reject "communal figures" and accused the BJP of a "divide and rule" policy due to fear of the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) vote bank.
    • Mohibullah Nadvi Wife: The Allahabad High Court has ordered Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi to pay his fourth wife ₹30,000 monthly maintenance. The court has given the couple three months to settle their matrimonial dispute through mediation, emphasizing regular payments. Failure to comply with the order or a failed mediation will result in the cancellation of interim relief.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has labelled Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath an infiltrator. Yadav stated Adityanath, who hails from Uttarakhand, should be sent back to his home state. He also claimed Adityanath is an ideological infiltrator. These remarks follow Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments on political parties using infiltrators as a vote bank.
    • The Centre clarified it had no role in Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's Facebook account suspension, stating Facebook acted independently due to an "abusive post." Yadav questioned the suspension, citing posts on a journalist's death and a woman's suspicious death flagged as "Adult Sexual Exploitation and Violence." His account was later restored.
    • Samajwadi Party leaders allege Facebook suspended party chief Akhilesh Yadav's account, calling it an attack on democracy and an undeclared emergency by the BJP. Party officials, including Fakhrul Hasan Chaand and Rajeev Rai, condemned the move, stating it suppresses opposition voices. MLA Pooja Shukla and leader Pawan Pandey also criticized Facebook for silencing a leader representing millions.
    • BSP supremo Mayawati has announced her party will contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections independently. Addressing a rally, she criticized the Samajwadi Party for neglecting Dalit memorials. Mayawati also thanked the BJP government for observing Kanshi Ram's memorial. She stated that BSP has not benefited from past alliances and will forge none for the upcoming polls.
    • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning their record ninth Asia Cup title by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and the Uttar Pradesh Police also lauded the team's significant victory. Various political figures and state authorities celebrated India's triumph.
    • Azam Khan, a senior Samajwadi Party leader, was released from Sitapur jail on Tuesday after almost two years. Supporters and family greeted him upon his release. Khan stated he would focus on his health. Akhilesh Yadav expressed relief and praised Khan's contributions. Shivpal Yadav dismissed rumors of Khan joining BSP.
    • Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav celebrated Azam Khan's release from jail, emphasizing his significant role in the socialist movement. Yadav promised to withdraw all "false" cases against Khan upon the Samajwadi Party's return to power in Uttar Pradesh.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the central government regarding the increased H1-B visa fee. He alleged the government's foreign and economic policies have failed. Yadav also attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He claimed Adityanath prefers guns over education. The Trump administration raised the H1-B visa fee to USD 100,000.
    • Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of widespread vote theft across multiple states, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, alleging irregularities like the sudden appearance of a crore new voters. He claimed the Election Commission refused to investigate these discrepancies.
    • Opposition INDIA bloc parliamentarians convened at the Samvidhan Sadan for a mock voting demo ahead of the vice-presidential election. Senior leaders from Congress, NCP-SP, and SP attended, emphasizing the importance of avoiding invalid votes. While the INDIA bloc has around 320 votes, the NDA holds a significant lead with over 420, with results expected Tuesday evening.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader, joined the Bihar Opposition's "vote adhikar yatra," urging people to defeat the BJP in the upcoming Assembly election. He endorsed RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance's chief ministerial candidate. Yadav criticized the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, accusing the BJP of manipulating the process and promised jobs for youth under Tejashwi's leadership.
    • Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, aimed at preventing vote theft, is envisioned as a nationwide revolution. He criticizes PM Modi and the BJP-RSS for favoring the wealthy and suppressing youth opportunities. Joined by Akhilesh Yadav and other INDIA bloc leaders, Gandhi emphasizes the importance of protecting the right to vote, warning against the theft of the future.
    • RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA, asserting that the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' has unsettled the ruling alliance. The yatra, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders, aims to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
    • Opposition parties have criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's views on various issues, alleging "doublespeak," while Muslim scholars welcomed his call for unity. Bhagwat addressed topics from Manusmriti to population control, sparking reactions. Congress leaders questioned his stance on retirement age, while AIMIM's Owaisi accused the RSS of promoting hate against Muslims.
    • Opposition's vice presidential candidate B Sudershan Reddy expressed gratitude for support from outside the INDIA bloc, emphasizing his candidature based on merit and principle. He highlighted meetings with Arvind Kejriwal and MK Stalin, while addressing Amit Shah's Naxalism charge by referencing his Supreme Court verdict. Reddy stressed the vice president's office as a constitutional one, vowing to uphold constitutional values.
    • Pooja Pal, an expelled Samajwadi Party MLA, has accused Akhilesh Yadav of protecting criminals. She fears for her life, alleging a threat from the SP-sponsored mafia. Pal claims the party sided with her husband's killers. She says her expulsion was due to naming Atiq Ahmad in the Assembly. Pal praises Yogi Adityanath for acting against criminals.
    • Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav confirmed his participation in the INDIA alliance's 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra,' with the schedule to be announced soon. In Bihar, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav continued their yatra, highlighting alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
    • Akhilesh Yadav accuses the BJP and election authorities of manipulating records, stating that only 14 out of 18,000 affidavits submitted by his party received clarifications. He alleges voter list anomalies in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, claiming a confrontation between the Election Commission and district magistrates. District magistrates have refuted Yadav's charges of wrongful voter deletion.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Election Commission of deliberately deleting votes of backward communities like Maurya, Pal, Bhagel, and Rathore to favor the ruling BJP. He alleged that the EC is ignoring procedures and appointing officials based on caste, benefiting the BJP. Yadav demanded strict action against erring officials and questioned the EC's impartiality.
    • Akhilesh Yadav expelled MLA Pooja Pal from the Samajwadi Party after she praised the Yogi government and supported BJP candidates, marking the culmination of her rebellious actions. This expulsion is part of Yadav's effort to enforce discipline within the party ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
    • Congress refuted BJP's allegations of election fraud in Opposition leaders' constituencies, claiming it validates their charge of widespread irregularities. They questioned how BJP quickly accessed electronic voter data, alleging an ECI-BJP connection. Rahul Gandhi urged youth support for a march against electoral roll revisions in Bihar, further fueling the controversy surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
    • The Samajwadi Party expelled MLA Pooja Pal for alleged anti-party activities after she praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the assembly for his actions against gangster Atiq Ahmad. The party accused Pal of "serious indiscipline" and acting against its interests despite warnings.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticized the BJP. He questioned the Uttar Pradesh Assembly's 24-hour session. Yadav accused the government of prioritizing event management over governance. He posted a selfie of SP legislators during the session. Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh dismissed Yadav's criticism. Singh affirmed the government's commitment to impartial justice.
    • The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Abhishek Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav of winning their Lok Sabha seats through fraudulent voter registration practices, demanding their resignations. Anurag Thakur presented alleged irregularities in voter registration in their constituencies, along with accusations against M K Stalin and Dimple Yadav.
    • Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP, asserting that communal politics harms India, referencing a recent incident in Fatehpur. The Uttar Pradesh government condemned Samajwadi Party MLAs for disrupting Assembly proceedings over the same Fatehpur incident, where Hindu organizations vandalized a tomb, claiming it was a temple.
    • Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc marched to the Election Commission of India regarding concerns about Bihar's electoral rolls. The police stopped the march. Several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were briefly detained. The Election Commission offered a meeting with limited representatives. The opposition refused this offer. They insisted on a collective meeting.
    • INDIA bloc MPs protested the Election Commission on Monday. The protest was against the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar. Demonstrators marched from Parliament to the Election Commission office. Delhi police blocked the march with barricades. Several leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, were detained. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also participated.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged bogus voting and irregularities in the recent Uttar Pradesh by-elections, urging the Election Commission to investigate. He accused the BJP of manipulating votes and facilitating "vote loot," further criticizing the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and officials for alleged interference. Yadav also expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing three-day session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.
    • Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Uttar Pradesh government. He called it corrupt and ineffective. Yadav alleged failure to help flood victims. He highlighted shortages of food, water, and healthcare. He also mentioned sanitation issues and power outages. Many people lost documents and belongings. The BJP government is accused of ignoring the crisis. The state is facing severe floods and heavy rainfall.
    • Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the Samajwadi Party of relying on fake votes, saying its "bicycle will get punctured." SP chief Akhilesh Yadav earlier alleged BJP uses machines to create Aadhaar and voter ID cards on election day. Congress MP KC Venugopal also claimed voter exclusions in Bihar and plans to expose EC “malpractices” on August 5 in Bengaluru.
    • The Opposition has challenged the government regarding an intelligence failure. This failure is linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government in Lok Sabha. They questioned the lack of security and first aid for those affected. Yadav also raised concerns about the ceasefire and India's foreign policy.
    • Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted claims of recent Chinese encroachments in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that China has not intruded into Indian territory or occupied additional land since the 1962 war. Rijiju clarified that areas currently held by China in Arunachal were already under their control before or during the conflict.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called Operation Sindoor a symbol of the government's intelligence failure after the Pahalgam attack. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he questioned the sudden ceasefire with Pakistan and claimed India's foreign policy has collapsed. Yadav blamed security lapses for the tragic attack, criticising the government for the loss of lives and weak border strategy.
    • Bansuri Swaraj of BJP and Renuka Chowdhury of Congress have criticized a cleric's statement. The statement was against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav. The leaders called the cleric's remarks shameful and unacceptable. Swaraj questioned the silence of Akhilesh Yadav and the opposition. Chowdhury condemned the cleric's mindset. She questioned his audacity to speak disrespectfully about women.
    • Parliament is set to have a fiery debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Mayawati urges ruling and opposition parties to rise above partisan politics during the discussion. Top leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S Jaishankar are expected to speak. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge may lead the opposition's response.
    • Prominent seers have voiced strong opposition to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's alleged construction of a Kedareshwar Dham in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, modeled after the Kedarnath shrine. Religious leaders condemn the act as a conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma, diminishing the significance of the ancient Himalayan temple. They suggest building a Shiva temple under a different name instead.
    • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized opposition parties for alleged corruption and promoting a "one district, one mafia" policy during their governance. He contrasted this with his administration's focus on development and zero-tolerance towards crime.
    • Akhilesh Yadav has cautioned Gorakhpur officials against involving children in political matters, referencing a video where a schoolgirl praised Yogi Adityanath and criticized him. Yadav sarcastically acknowledged the girl's assessment and urged restraint, emphasizing that children should not be exploited for political gain.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief, has criticised the decision to transfer the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre to the Lucknow Development Authority. He called it an insult to Jayaprakash Narayan's legacy. Yadav recalled his association with the centre. He also attacked the BJP, questioning their credibility in Bihar.
    • The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has decided to dissolve the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) Society. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will now manage the centre. The state government had disbursed Rs 821.74 crore for the JPNIC project. This amount will be treated as a loan to the LDA.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president, criticizes the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government's decision to merge rural government schools, alleging a conspiracy to deprive future generations of education. He claims the BJP aims to create an uneducated populace easily manipulated and fears the move will allow divisive ideologies to spread through affiliated institutions.
    • After facing expulsion from his party and family disputes, Tej Pratap Yadav is actively engaging with supporters and exploring his political options. His recent video call with Akhilesh Yadav has sparked speculation about a potential alliance. Despite challenges, Tej Pratap asserts his determination to fight, hinting at a significant role in Bihar's upcoming elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
    • Ahead of the UP assembly polls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is targeting the "women vote bank," criticizing the BJP's governance. Yadav claims women's safety is compromised under the current government, promising ₹3,000 financial assistance to poor women if his party wins.
    • Akhilesh Yadav confirms INDIA bloc unity for the 2027 UP elections. Samajwadi Party is ready for upcoming panchayat polls. He criticizes the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav advocates for a caste census. He urges the government to ensure the safe return of Indians stranded in Iran.
    • Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP's 'Sindoor' campaign, alleging it's a cover-up for intelligence failures and a distraction from national security concerns. He emphasized the need for a stronger national defence and better resources for the armed forces to combat threats from neighboring countries.
    • Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has accused the BJP of being undemocratic and authoritarian, posing a threat to the Constitution, while addressing party workers in Lucknow. He alleged widespread corruption, a collapse of law and order, and failure to deliver on development, further claiming the BJP is seizing land from the poor.
    • Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government misrepresented the death toll of the Maha Kumbh stampede. He cited a BBC report indicating a higher number of fatalities than the official count. Yadav questioned the compensation process for victims' families. He demanded transparency regarding cash disbursements and raised concerns about potential irregularities.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president, has criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Yadav questioned Adityanath's aerial survey of crops. He suggested Adityanath avoids facing farmers directly due to fear of their anger. Yadav also questioned if stray cattle can be seen from such heights. Farmers are complaining about crop damage and stray cattle menace in Uttar Pradesh.
    • Rinku Singh Priya Saroj Engagement: Rinku Singh, an Indian cricketer, recently got engaged to Priya Saroj. The engagement ceremony occurred at a luxury hotel in Lucknow. The event hosted cricketers and political figures. Akhilesh Yadav and Jaya Bachchan were among the attendees. The couple exchanged rings amidst floral decorations. Guests enjoyed a vegetarian feast with Awadhi and global dishes.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president, accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of widespread corruption. He claimed a "competition of corruption" exists within the police, tehsil, and construction sectors. Yadav criticized the poor quality of construction work. He alleged officials are chosen based on their ability to flatter the ruling party.
    • Advocate Prashant Singh Atal, representing UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, demanded a public apology from the Samajwadi Party after alleged derogatory remarks were posted on their 'X' handle. Atal threatened a defamation case if an apology isn't issued within 15 days. The BJP has also filed an FIR against the SP's media cell.
    • Akhilesh Yadav responded to an offensive post against Brajesh Pathak on Samajwadi Party's X account. Yadav assured that such incidents would not recur. He hoped Pathak would refrain from making provocative statements. An FIR was filed following the controversial post. Pathak questioned Samajwadi Party's language. BJP workers protested the incident. The post was later removed from the social media platform.
    • Vikram Misri faced online criticism after India and Pakistan agreed to stop military actions. Veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao and politicians like Asaduddin Owaisi and Akhilesh Yadav supported Misri. Yadav condemned the abuse and demanded government action. Rao called the trolling shameful and defended Misri's service. Owaisi emphasized that civil servants shouldn't be blamed for executive decisions.
    • Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav plans to install Maharana Pratap's statue. This announcement follows backlash over remarks against Rana Sanga. Karni Sena protested in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav initially supported Suman, angering Rajputs. Now, Yadav seeks to appease the community. He also wants the BJP government to extend Maharana Pratap's holiday. Elections are approaching and Yadav is trying to control damage.
    • Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's advocacy for using cow dung-based paint in government buildings, labeling it a "Gobarnama." Adityanath directed officials to make cow protection centers self-reliant and promote the use of cow dung paint. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi responded, accusing Yadav of hating cow dung and cattle and neglecting Indian culture.
    • Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his allegations of caste-based discrimination in Uttar Pradesh police postings, challenging the DGP's denial and urging the Chief Minister to address the issue. He presented data allegedly sourced from official websites, accusing the government of manipulating figures and discriminating against marginalized communities in public service. Yadav also criticized the Agnipath scheme and privatization of education.
    • Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar refuted Akhilesh Yadav's allegations of caste-based bias in police postings, deeming them baseless and misleading. Kumar emphasised that postings adhere to established norms, urging responsible reporting and caution against misinformation.
    • Akhilesh Yadav alleged that Yogi Adityanath's government politicized the Maha Kumbh, aiming to project him as a prime ministerial candidate, and criticized mismanagement during the event. He promised an investigation if his party wins in 2027. Yadav accused the BJP of land grabbing and diminishing reservation rights, while reaffirming the INDIA bloc's continuation in the upcoming elections.
    • Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president, strongly criticized the BJP, accusing them of prioritizing insignificant matters and ignoring public concerns. He questioned the Waqf Act's relevance to farmers' needs and alleged BJP's involvement in instigating riots. Yadav also pledged to uphold the Constitution and take action against those who incite violence, following a controversial statement by party MP Ramji Lal Suman.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Uttar Pradesh government of enabling illegal mining and environmental destruction in Etawah’s Chambal ravines, claiming entire hills near Sumer Singh Fort have vanished due to official collusion. Sharing a video of the altered landscape, Yadav slammed the BJP for environmental damage and corruption, questioning how the lost hills could ever return.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has warned that Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be held responsible if any harm comes to SP MP Ramji Lal Suman. Yadav claims that Adityanath supports underground forces targeting opposition voices, referencing a recent attack on Suman's residence by the Karni Sena.
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    The Economic Times
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