Why is BJP Upset with SP’s Akhilesh and Babasaheb Poster?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP strongly condemns the SP's portrayal of Akhilesh Yadav.
- The poster caused significant backlash from BJP leaders.
- Respect for historical figures is crucial in political discourse.
- This controversy raises ethical questions about political campaigning.
- Dr. Ambedkar's legacy remains a sensitive topic in Indian politics.
New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed outrage at the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday, vehemently criticizing the depiction of its leader, Akhilesh Yadav, as being on par with Dr BR Ambedkar, who is celebrated as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
BJP labeled this an affront to Babasaheb and accused the SP of exploiting his legacy to gain favor with the Dalit community.
The uproar began when a campaign poster emerged this morning, illustrating a visual of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Babasaheb with their images overlapping. Reports indicated that these posters were also visible at various locations in Lucknow.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took to his X account to share the poster, denouncing the Akhilesh-led SP for altering the image of Babasaheb and for hurting the sentiments of the Dalit community.
“There can be no greater insult to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the creator of the Indian Constitution and the icon of the Dalit community, than to distort his image and superimpose Akhilesh Yadav's likeness upon it,” he stated on X.
Further criticizing the SP chief, he asserted that Akhilesh Yadav could never match Babasaheb's greatness or his significant contributions to the marginalized groups in society, ‘no matter how many lives he might claim to have lived’.
Malviya added, “The Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh have previously insulted the valiant Rana Sanga and now Babasaheb. Such behavior is intolerable to Hindu society.”
Earlier, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal held a press conference wherein he condemned the SP for the offensive poster, which seemingly undermines and trivializes Babasaheb's legacy.
“A poster from the Samajwadi Party displays half of Babasaheb's face and the other half of Akhilesh Yadav. This is a blatant insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar. They are attempting to secure Dalit votes through such manipulative tactics,” he criticized.
“Babasaheb opposed Parivar vaad while Akhilesh is a product of a dynasty,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also condemned the action, labeling it a ‘reflection of the party’s corrupt mentality’.