A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after posters targeting Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav appeared in 15 districts. The posters reportedly surfaced while voting was underway for 11 Legislative Council seats in the state. Featuring images of Atiq Ahmed, Mukhtar Ansari and SP leader Azam Khan, they target the party over several issues, including alleged links with criminals, family politics, recruitment controversies and appeasement. The identity of the people or organisation behind the campaign has not yet been established.
Slogans Target Alleged Mafia Links
Several posters use rhyming slogans to attack the Samajwadi Party and its previous government. One reads, “Sapaiyon ka kya bharosa, chai, samosa, rasmalai, saare mafia apne bhai.” The slogan attempts to link the party with criminal figures by displaying their photographs alongside political messaging. Posters have reportedly appeared in Lucknow, Ballia, Mau, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Basti, Hardoi and Sitapur, among other districts. The campaign has brought renewed attention to political allegations surrounding the SP’s record in government.
2013 UPPCS Recruitment Under Attack
The posters also refer to the 2013 Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission recruitment process conducted during the SP government. They claim that 56 of the 86 selected candidates belonged to a particular caste. A slogan reading, “Rasgulla aur rasmalai, ek jaati ki satta aayi,” has been used to raise allegations of caste-based favouritism. These claims are part of the poster campaign, and the material provided does not independently establish their accuracy.
Family Politics Becomes Another Target
Akhilesh Yadav and the SP leadership have also been criticised over allegations of dynastic politics. One poster carries the slogan, “Dal chawal aur achaar, party matlab ek parivaar.” The message targets the prominent role of the Yadav family in the party’s leadership and organisation. Through such slogans, the campaign seeks to question the party’s internal structure and political priorities, turning family politics into another point of attack against the SP.
Muzaffarnagar Riots and Cemetery Budgets Mentioned
The posters also refer to the Muzaffarnagar riots during the SP government and Akhilesh Yadav’s participation in iftar gatherings. One slogan reads, “Danga, iftar aur biryani, SP raj ki asli kahani.” Another targets budget allocations for cemetery boundary walls during the previous government, using the line, “Khaini aur Banarasi paan, budget chala gaya kabristan.” These messages seek to challenge the SP’s past decisions and its approach to different communities.
Who Is Behind the Poster Campaign?
Another slogan attracting attention reads, “Ek kachori, do samosa, Girgitish ka kya bharosa,” using the term “Girgitish” to take a swipe at Akhilesh Yadav. The posters collectively raise allegations about criminal connections, recruitment, dynastic politics, riots and government spending. However, the identity of those responsible for putting them up remains unknown, according to the report. With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, the campaign adds another layer to the state’s increasingly sharp political contest.
