COMPILED BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
On April 14, Lucknow witnessed a vibrant and politically charged day as Samajwadi Party national president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav blended sharp political criticism with symbolic gestures of social justice, communal harmony, and youth empowerment. The day began with Akhilesh Yadav launching a strong attack on the BJP government. Addressing party workers and supporters, he accused the ruling dispensation of showing disrespect to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar during its ten-year rule in Uttar Pradesh.
He alleged that Ambedkar’s statues had been vandalised in nearly 50 districts across the state. Raising serious questions, he asked what concrete action the government had taken against the culprits responsible for such desecration. Yadav further claimed that the same forces who had insulted Babasaheb were now trying to woo Dalit and backward voters by announcing budgets and beautification projects ahead of elections. He described these moves as mere “false messages” and “deception” aimed at misleading the public.
“The people of Uttar Pradesh have become aware of the BJP’s conspiracies,” he asserted, adding that they would not be fooled again. The remarks were made during a well-attended public programme where several senior Samajwadi Party leaders and a large gathering of party workers were present. The event clearly reflected the party’s strategy to mobilise support around the core issues of social justice, constitutional values, and political accountability.
Later in the day, Akhilesh Yadav visited Gurudwara Sadar in Lucknow to mark the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, a major festival in the Sikh community that celebrates the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa Panth. He offered prayers at Darbar Sahib and received Kada Prasad with reverence. The visit carried a strong message of communal harmony and respect for India’s diverse religious traditions. Speaking at the Gurudwara, Yadav highlighted the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, who founded the Khalsa to fight inequality, injustice, and oppression.
He praised Sikhism’s emphasis on courage, equality, and selfless service. “True greatness lies not in power or position, but in good deeds,” he remarked. Community leaders, including Tejinder Singh Virk and Devendra Singh Khalsa, extended a warm welcome to him. The presence of Sikh devotees alongside SP leaders added a cultural and spiritual touch to the otherwise intense political proceedings. In yet another significant moment, around two dozen enthusiastic young cyclists from Laharpur assembly constituency in Sitapur district reached Lucknow after a long bicycle journey.
The group undertook the trip to convey a powerful message: the unity and determination of the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition. They expressed their firm resolve to bring Akhilesh Yadav back as Chief Minister in the 2027 assembly elections. Yadav met the young participants personally, appreciated their dedication and energy, and wished them success in life. The cycle journey underscored the growing importance of youth involvement and grassroots mobilisation in shaping the political narrative in the state.
The most poignant moment of the day came when Akhilesh Yadav visited Hazratganj Crossing to pay floral tributes at the statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary. Accompanied by senior party leaders, he bowed respectfully before the statue and reiterated his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Constitution. He described the Constitution as a living document and a powerful shield that protects justice, equality, and the rights of the poor and marginalised sections.
Recalling the outcome of the recent Lok Sabha elections, Yadav thanked the people of Uttar Pradesh and the entire country for defeating those who had spoken of changing the Constitution. Through a mix of aggressive political critique, tributes to icons of social justice, outreach to religious communities, and engagement with youth, Akhilesh Yadav effectively used April 14 to reinforce the Samajwadi Party’s core narrative of unity, social equity, and defence of democratic institutions ahead of the crucial 2027 polls.
