Akhilesh Yadav Responds to Mahoba Controversy
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday publicly distanced his party from controversial remarks allegedly made by party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district, asserting that political debate should remain within the limits of dignity and decorum.
Addressing the controversy, Yadav said the Samajwadi Party does not endorse offensive language in public discourse and maintained that criticism in politics should be expressed responsibly. “There should be dignity in the language used in politics. We have never supported the use of such language or behaviour against anyone,” he said while reacting to the viral incident involving the party MP.
SP Chief Says Remarks Were “Not Right”
While refusing to defend the alleged comments, the SP chief suggested that emotions during protests may sometimes lead to inappropriate statements but stressed that such language cannot be justified. “We do not support what our MP or Ajendra Lodhi said. However, if someone spoke out of emotional pain and inappropriate language was used in that moment, then that language was certainly not right,” he added.
The controversy erupted after a video from a protest held at the Mahoba district collectorate circulated widely on social media. Ajendra Singh Lodhi, accompanied by Samajwadi Party workers, had reportedly reached the district magistrate’s office to submit an 11-point memorandum addressed to the Governor over issues including inflation, power cuts, and the installation of smart electricity meters.
During the demonstration, Lodhi allegedly made objectionable remarks targeting the Prime Minister while criticising recent appeals linked to expenditure control and public spending.
FIR Registered Against SP MP
Following a complaint filed by the BJP’s district media in-charge, police registered a case against Lodhi and several unidentified supporters at the city kotwali police station. The FIR was lodged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 132, 189(2), 352 and 196(1).
The incident has intensified political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP accusing opposition leaders of lowering the standards of political discourse.
Yogi Adityanath Condemns Remarks
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reacted strongly to the controversy and condemned the alleged comments made during the protest.
In a post on X, Adityanath described the remarks as “unparliamentary, condemnable and an insult to democratic values,” while alleging that the statement reflected “political misconduct and ideological bankruptcy.”
The Chief Minister further said the comments amounted to disrespect towards the democratic mandate given by the people of the country and accused opposition leaders of encouraging divisive political behaviour.
