Posters of Akhilesh, Mulayam in skull caps spark SP-BJP war of words
Political tensions in Uttar Pradesh have flared following the appearance of posters depicting Samajwadi Party leaders wearing skull caps. The SP and BJP have traded accusations, with the SP claiming the posters are a distraction from corruption, while the BJP frames them as a critique of the SP's past appeasement politics.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the highly polarized nature of Indian politics and the use of communal imagery to influence electoral narratives.
Posters surfacing across Uttar Pradesh depicting Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav and party founder, the late Mulayam Singh, wearing skull caps sparked a war of words between the principal opposition party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the SP alleged that it was a bid by the BJP to divert attention from the Ram Temple donation ‘theft’ issue, the latter hit back calling the posters – that bore slogans such as ‘ Dil mein Babar , munh mein Ram (Babar in the heart, Ram on the lips)’ – an expression of “people’s frustration” against the Opposition party’s “divisive politics”.
The article provides quotes and perspectives from both the SP and the BJP, maintaining a balanced reporting style.
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