Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar has attacked Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over an alleged assault involving an SP worker in Azamgarh, accusing the party leadership of remaining silent over the incident.
The controversy centres on Rahul Yadav, described in reports as an SP booth president in the Gopalpur Assembly constituency. Yadav has alleged that he was abused and assaulted by supporters and bodyguards of sitting SP MLA Nafees Ahmad after he expressed support for another SP leader in a survey linked to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Police are looking into the allegations.
Rajbhar Questions Akhilesh Yadav
Reacting to the controversy, Rajbhar posted a strongly worded message on X targeting Akhilesh Yadav.
He alleged that the SP leadership was ignoring the treatment of its own grassroots worker and questioned why the party president had not intervened. Rajbhar also accused Akhilesh Yadav of prioritising political considerations over the interests of party workers.
His remarks included sharp criticism of the SP's political approach and its leadership ahead of the next Assembly elections.
What Happened in Gopalpur?
According to the complaint and reports surrounding the incident, Rahul Yadav had participated in a survey concerning preferred political leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
Reports say he indicated support for another SP leader rather than Gopalpur MLA Nafees Ahmad. Yadav subsequently alleged that he received abusive calls and that when he attempted to discuss the matter with the MLA, he was stopped and allegedly assaulted by people associated with the MLA.
These allegations have not been established as fact. A report published by ABP News said police were investigating the matter and that the allegations would have to be assessed against available evidence.
Nafees Ahmad at the Centre of Row
Nafees Ahmad is the sitting SP MLA from Gopalpur in Azamgarh. He won the constituency in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election as an SP candidate.
The dispute has therefore acquired a political dimension within the local SP organisation, particularly as parties begin preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.
The allegations also highlight the potential for internal competition over local leadership and candidate preferences to become a political issue ahead of the polls.
Rajbhar's Attack Comes Ahead of 2027 Polls
Rajbhar is a former ally of the Samajwadi Party and now heads the SBSP, which is aligned with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. His criticism of Akhilesh Yadav comes amid increasingly active political positioning in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly election.
The BJP and its allies have been intensifying their political campaign against the SP as parties begin building their organisation and voter outreach ahead of the state election.
Rajbhar's latest remarks add another layer to the political contest by focusing on an alleged dispute inside the opposition party's local organisation.
Investigation Remains Key
The immediate issue is whether the allegations made by Rahul Yadav can be substantiated through the police investigation and other available evidence.
For now, the reported assault should be treated as an allegation, while Rajbhar's statements are political remarks directed at the SP leadership. Any criminal liability arising from the incident will depend on the findings of the authorities.
The controversy nevertheless gives the ruling alliance another opportunity to question the SP's internal functioning, while the incident could become a talking point in the wider political contest in Azamgarh and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
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