Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, accusing the party of neglecting teachers and youth during its state tenure and, in his words, “offering prayers at the graves of mafias.” The remarks were made at a convention in Varanasi organised in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates contesting the Legislative Council elections for the Teachers’ and Graduates’ constituencies.

Key Allegations Against the SP

Addressing the gathering, CM Adityanath said: “One cannot expect the welfare of teachers from those who have no concern for education, who act as lackeys to the mafia, and who visit a mafia’s grave to offer prayers (Fatiha) upon his death.” He alleged that during the SP’s time in government, teaching posts remained vacant and recruitment commissions were controlled by what he called the ‘Saifai Syndicate’, a reference to the SP’s political base in Saifai, jeopardising the future of the youth.

The Chief Minister further alleged that recruitment drives were conducted through family members of SP leaders, after which the ‘uncle-nephew duo’ would allegedly extort money. “Back then, no one outside the Saifai Syndicate could secure a job,” he claimed.

Anil Yadav Appointment and UPPSC Controversy

CM Adityanath specifically named Anil Yadav, alleging he was appointed Chairman of a recruitment commission despite being “entirely unqualified for the role.” He further alleged that under the SP government, an individual who had secured only a third division in High School, Intermediate, and his B.A. degree topped the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) examination. “The situation was marked by such anarchy and lawlessness; the lives of the youth were being toyed with. Meanwhile, riots, civil unrest, and the mafia held sway,” Adityanath alleged.

BJP’s Claimed Record on Teachers and Recruitment

In contrast, CM Adityanath asserted that the BJP government, which came to power in 2017, has ensured transparency in the recruitment process and addressed teachers’ grievances. He noted that arrangements have been made for a special TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) for existing teachers following a Supreme Court judgment on the matter.

He also alleged that between 2005 and 2017, contributions for the New Pension Scheme for teachers and employees were not deposited and that accounts had not been opened. “After the BJP-led government assumed office in 2017, a provision of ₹10,000 crore was made to open accounts for 14 lakh personnel. The government’s contribution to the New Pension Scheme was also raised from 10 to 14 per cent,” CM Adityanath said.

SP’s ‘PDA’ Claim Under Attack

Referring to the recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections, the Chief Minister highlighted that the BJP won eight out of ten seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the SP secured two. He questioned why the SP, which champions the ‘PDA’ (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) cause, allocated one seat to party leader Ramgopal Yadav and the other to what he described as a wealthy tycoon from Mumbai, rather than a Yadav, Dalit, or Muslim candidate from Kashi, Ghazipur, or Ballia.

Taking a swipe at the Akhilesh Yadav-led party, Adityanath redefined ‘PDA’ as ‘Family Development Authority’ and ‘Paraya Dhan Apna,’ accusing the SP of double standards. He described teachers and graduates as “vigilant guardians of society” and said, “Teachers provide direction to the youth, and the youth determine the nation’s future.”

With Legislative Council elections approaching, the speech signals the BJP’s intent to consolidate the teacher and graduate voter base in Uttar Pradesh while keeping pressure on the SP over its governance record.