‘Chai, samosa, rasmalai’: Hoardings target Akhilesh Yadav over 'mafia links' in Lucknow
Controversial hoardings in Lucknow have targeted Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, alleging links between his party and criminal figures ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. The posters appeared following Yadav's visit to jailed party leader Azam Khan, sparking a political war of words with the BJP.
Why it matters
This incident reflects the intensifying political climate in Uttar Pradesh as parties prepare for upcoming assembly elections, highlighting the use of negative campaigning.
Controversial hoardings targeting Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav surfaced at a busy crossing in Lucknow on Friday, featuring images of slain gangster-politicians Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari alongside jailed senior party leader Mohammad Azam Khan, ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.According to ANI, the hoardings appeared at the National PG College crossing and carried a rhyming Hindi slogan aimed at the SP.The poster read, “Sapaiyon ka kya bharosa — Chai, samosa, rasmalai, saare mafia apne bhai”, alleging links between the party and criminal figures. The identity of those who put up the hoardings was not immediately known.The poster featured Akhilesh Yadav wearing a white prayer cap, alongside photographs of Atiq Ahmed, Mukhtar Ansari and Azam Khan.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in