Akhilesh Yadav demands defamation case against BJP MLA for remarks on Mayawati

Akhilesh Yadav demands defamation case against BJP MLA Rajesh Chaudhary for his derogatory remarks on Mayawati, calling it an insult to women and marginalized communities, and challenging BJP's stance.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has called for a defamation case against BJP MLA Rajesh Chaudhary for his controversial remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. The comments, which surfaced in a video shared by Yadav on social media platform X, have sparked widespread outrage.

In the video, Chaudhary, who represents the Mant area in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, is heard making disparaging remarks about Mayawati. "There is no doubt that Mayawati has been the chief minister of UP four times, and it was us (BJP) who made her the chief minister for the first time. We made that mistake," Chaudhary stated. He further went on to accuse Mayawati of being "the most corrupt chief minister of Uttar Pradesh."

Reacting strongly to these comments, Yadav condemned the BJP MLA's statements, emphasizing that political differences should not cross the line into personal attacks. "Political differences have their place, but no one has the right to tarnish her dignity as a woman," Yadav said in a post in Hindi on X. "BJP members are saying that making her chief minister was a mistake, which is also an insult to public opinion in a democratic country."

Yadav further criticized Chaudhary’s baseless allegations, calling them "highly objectionable" and demanded legal action. "A defamation case should be filed against the BJP legislator for this public statement," he asserted.

The SP chief did not stop there. He pointed out that the "disrespectful remarks" made by the BJP legislator reflect a "deep-seated bitterness that BJP members harbor towards women, especially those from marginalized and oppressed communities." Yadav accused the BJP of sheltering such individuals, thereby deeply hurting the dignity of women.

"If the BJP does not take immediate disciplinary action against such people, it will be assumed that this is not just the personal opinion of one legislator but the view of the entire party," Yadav warned, urging the BJP to act swiftly.

The incident has put the BJP under pressure to address the issue, as it raises questions about the party’s stance on women, particularly those from marginalized communities. All eyes are now on how the BJP leadership will respond to Yadav's demands and the growing calls for accountability within the party.

(With inputs from agencies)