Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak intensified his criticism of the Samajwadi Party (SP), asserting that the party has reduced socialism to a “laboratory of abuse and indecency.” His remarks followed an objectionable post by SP’s media cell targeting his family.
Pathak invoked socialist stalwarts Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), and George Fernandes, contrasting their intellectual rigor with SP’s current discourse. “George Sahab advocated ‘study camps’ for ideological grounding, but today’s so-called socialists have strayed far from that path,” he said, addressing Akhilesh Yadav directly. “I can provide Lohia’s books if your party lacks them.”
The Deputy CM accused SP of fostering anarchic language unbecoming of its legacy. “When this is their conduct in opposition, one can imagine their governance record,” he remarked, alluding to SP’s previous terms in power. He also criticized SP leaders for invoking Krishna while “behaving like Shishupal,” urging retribution for the party’s “destined downfall.”
The controversy stems from an SP media cell post questioning Pathak’s DNA, which triggered a political firestorm. While Akhilesh Yadav later advised restraint to party workers, Pathak’s latest salvo signals escalating tensions between UP’s ruling BJP and principal opposition.
Akhilesh Responds: “You Weren’t Like This Either”
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav responded to Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak’s criticisms with a mix of conciliation and counterattack, urging him to “apologize to the better person he once was.”
Akhilesh acknowledged “emotional reactions” within SP ranks to Pathak’s remarks but emphasized party discipline. “We’ve counseled our workers to avoid such exchanges,” he stated, while reminding Pathak of his constitutional role: “As Health Minister, your words carry weight beyond politics.”
The SP chief framed Pathak’s “DNA” comment as an affront to Lord Krishna, citing his own Yaduvanshi lineage. “Even an ordinary person would see this as an attack on faith,” he noted, distancing SP from personal attacks while defending its ideological critique of the BJP government.
Akhilesh’s measured response aimed to de-escalate tensions but included subtle jabs. “If the Deputy CM reflects honestly, he’ll recognize his transformation,” he suggested, alluding to Pathak’s earlier career as a lawyer known for moderate rhetoric.
The SP’s balancing act comes as Pathak’s supporters filed police complaints against SP workers and burned effigies. Political observers suggest Akhilesh’s tone—combining moral high ground with veiled warnings—seeks to position SP as the mature opposition ahead of 2027 state elections.
