Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak launched a pointed attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and its president Akhilesh Yadav in Ayodhya on Sunday, 4 October 2026, accusing the party of fostering 'hooliganism' and a 'mafia culture' during its previous stints in power. Pathak claimed that the people of Ayodhya had not forgotten the alleged firing on kar sevaks during the SP's tenure — remarks that came amid questions over Akhilesh Yadav's reported plans to visit Ayodhya and participate in a Ram Katha programme.

Attack on SP's Religious Outreach

Taking direct aim at the SP chief's proposed religious visit, Pathak questioned what connection Akhilesh Yadav had with Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. He alleged that the SP and the Indian National Congress (Congress) had historically opposed Sanatan culture but were now adopting different political positions ahead of elections to seek votes. 'The people, however, understand their reality,' Pathak stated. He further alleged that both parties had tried to obstruct the construction of the Ram temple but maintained that the 'flag of Sanatan culture' could not be made to bow.

Allegations of Hooliganism and Mafia Rule

Pathak alleged that the SP had been given four opportunities to form the government in Uttar Pradesh and had misused each one. He claimed people had not forgotten a 'one district, one mafia' system he attributed to the party's tenures, and alleged that women faced severe difficulties stepping out of their homes during that period. He also accused the SP of insulting the Nishad community, referencing an incident in Gorakhpur. These are political allegations made by the Deputy Chief Minister and have not been independently verified.

Condemning Violence Within SP, Bharat Taxi Row

Commenting on an alleged attack on a senior SP leader at the party's own office — the details of which have not been independently verified — Pathak termed the incident 'highly condemnable' and accused the SP of promoting anarchy and criminality. Separately, responding to Opposition allegations regarding the Bharat Taxi initiative, Pathak said it was a programme of the Union Ministry of Cooperation and claimed it was designed so that the vehicle owner would serve as the driver, thereby directly benefiting individuals.

Deepotsav Preparations and BJP's Ayodhya Narrative

Pathak said he had visited Ayodhya — described by him as the land of Ram Lalla and Lord Hanuman — to pray for the welfare of the people and the progress of Uttar Pradesh. Referring to the upcoming Deepotsav celebrations, he said this year's event would be grander than last year's, with arrangements aimed at creating an atmosphere in which people would feel as if Lord Ram himself had arrived in Ayodhya. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government has consistently used Deepotsav as a high-profile annual showcase of its cultural governance in Ayodhya.

Sharp Rhetoric as Political Contest Intensifies

Describing Akhilesh Yadav as a former 'leader of the drama troupe,' Pathak argued that changing one's political image would not alter public perception. He also claimed — in what is a political statement — that Lord Ram had 'cursed' the Samajwadi Party and that it would never return to power in Uttar Pradesh. The intensifying rhetoric signals that Ayodhya is set to remain a key political battleground as both the BJP and the SP position themselves ahead of future state electoral cycles.