To Yogi's '2 namoone' jibe, Akhilesh hits back with 'rift' between Delhi-Lucknow

To Yogi's '2 namoone' Jibe, Akhilesh Hits Back with 'Rift' Between Delhi-Lucknow

In a scorching retort, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav has hit back at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks targeting his party, likening the Bharatiya Janata Party's internal discord to a rift between Delhi and Lucknow. The exchange has sparked a heated debate over the BJP's unity and governance, with Adityanath's comments inadvertently validating the opposition's long-standing claims of internal divisions.

Adityanath's remarks, made during a discussion on Codeine cough syrup allegations in the state assembly on December 22, 2025, were laced with a personal jibe at Yadav, hinting that the Samajwadi Party leader's son, Rohit Agarwal, would soon flee the country like his "Babua" did in the past. However, Yadav swiftly countered by labeling the Chief Minister's remarks as a "self-admission" and "confession" of internal discord within the BJP.

Akhilesh Yadav's sharp response on X (formerly Twitter) read: "No one thought that the Delhi-Lucknow clash would reach this point. Those on constitutional posts should not cross the line of decorum. The BJP should not bring its infighting into the open." This reaction was swift and unapologetic, underscoring the gravity of Adityanath's remarks and the potential implications for the BJP's public image.

At the heart of the controversy lies the issue of internal discord within the BJP. While Adityanath has consistently maintained that his position rests firmly on the party's support, Yadav has long alleged a power struggle between the state government and the BJP's central leadership. This narrative has been fueled by the appointment of deputy chief ministers and select bureaucrats, which the Samajwadi Party claims are deliberate attempts to curtail Adityanath's authority.

Yadav seized upon Adityanath's comments as evidence of the very rift the Chief Minister denies. By acknowledging the existence of two power centers—one in Delhi and one in Lucknow—Adityanath has inadvertently validated the opposition's narrative. This has significant implications for the BJP's public image, undermining its portrayal of organizational discipline and centralized decision-making.

The exchange has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on administrative efficiency and policy-making in Uttar Pradesh. As internal party disputes are now being aired at the highest levels of state governance, the public nature of this exchange raises questions about the ability of the state government to function effectively.

In the run-up to future electoral contests, this exchange has provided Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party with ammunition to strengthen their political narrative. By validating the opposition's claims of internal divisions, Adityanath's remarks have potentially created a chink in the BJP's armor, one that the Samajwadi Party is unlikely to miss.

As the Uttar Pradesh government navigates the complex web of internal party politics, one thing is clear: the Delhi-Lucknow clash has reached a boiling point, and the consequences for the BJP's unity and governance will be far-reaching. In the midst of this power struggle, the people of Uttar Pradesh are left wondering: what does the future hold for the state, and will the BJP's internal divisions ultimately prove to be its undoing?