Your words, actions should not hurt anyone: Akhilesh to cadre

Lucknow: Amid raging controversy over recent statements of a party functionary on Brahmins and use of objectionable language against the PM by another party member, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday asked his cadre to be mindful of their conduct and emphatically decried use of words or actions that can hurt anyone’s sentiments.

“Everyone of us will have to be make sure that our conduct does not leave anyone pained. Party workers and leaders should be mindful that their statements or conduct is not against anyone. Beware of the BJP as it always conspires to defame the Samajwadi Party,” Akhilesh said .

Akhilesh’s appeal comes at a time when FIRs have been lodged against two SP functionaries for their alleged objectionable remarks which have been criticised by BJP, BSP and Congress.

SP spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati’s video clip went viral where he purportedly disrespected the Brahmin community at a recent event in Delhi. Separate FIRs were lodged against Bhati in Ghaziabad and Noida on charges of promoting enmity and hurting sentiments. Bhati offered his ‘unconditional apology in case sentiments of any community were hurt’ claiming that the video in question was “selectively edited” and that he was quoting a proverb.

Earlier the SP found itself in a tight spot when its Mahoba MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi was booked for using derogatory language against PM Narendra Modi. Akhilesh later publicly disapproved of the language being used against the PM.

SP seeks fin aid for NEET aspirant’s kin

Lucknow: Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the death of NEET aspirant Ritik Mishra of Lakhimpur, who allegedly died by suicide after the exam was cancelled due to paper leak. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family. A delegation of SP functionaries met Ritik’s family at their residence in Dharaura and submitted a memorandum to the DM demanding ex gratia relief of Rs 2 crore for the family. The memorandum also demanded Rs 50,000 for each NEET aspirant as compensation for conveyance and expulsion of ministers heading departments involved with NEET 2026.

UP polls will be acid test of democracy: Akhilesh

Lucknow: Accusing BJP of conspiring to defame SP, Akhilesh Yadav said the UP Assembly elections will be an Agnipareeksha (acid test) of democracy where the BJP will misuse govt machinery, but the people will rise to check foul play and preserve democracy. BJP will not be able to stand its ground before the people of the state,” Akhilesh said.