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

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

Synopsis

The BJP is outraged over a controversial poster depicting Akhilesh Yadav alongside Dr. BR Ambedkar. This incident raises significant concerns about how political parties leverage historical figures for electoral gain. Explore the implications of this controversy and the reactions from various political leaders.

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’.

Point of View

This controversy highlights the sensitive intersection of politics and historical legacy in India. While the BJP's objections underscore the need for respect towards revered figures like Dr. Ambedkar, it also raises questions about the ethical use of such images in political campaigns. Maintaining a balanced discourse is crucial as we navigate these discussions in a diverse society.
NationPress
17/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the controversy between BJP and SP?
The controversy was ignited by a poster showing Akhilesh Yadav's face overlapping with that of Dr. BR Ambedkar, which the BJP deemed as disrespectful to Ambedkar's legacy.
How did BJP leaders react to the poster?
BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya and Arjun Ram Meghwal, criticized the poster, calling it an insult to Dr. Ambedkar and accusing the SP of exploiting his image for political gain.
What does this incident reveal about political campaigns?
This incident highlights the ethical dilemmas in political campaigns, especially regarding the use of historical figures to sway voter opinions.
Why is Dr. BR Ambedkar significant?
Dr. BR Ambedkar is revered as the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion for the rights of the Dalit community in India.
What are the implications of using historical figures in politics?
Using historical figures in political contexts can lead to controversies, as it may be perceived as trivializing their contributions or legacies for electoral gain.