Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh politics heated up as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav renewed his cheeky “offer” to the state’s two deputy chief ministers, just as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath departed for an official overseas tour.
Addressing a public event in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav targeted BJP’s Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, saying he was reviving his earlier proposal: “I am once again offering both Deputy CMs — bring 100 MLAs and become the Chief Minister.” He added with a touch of sarcasm, “Brother, whoever brings 100 MLAs will naturally become the CM,” hinting at alleged discontent within BJP ranks.
The remark, made amid Yogi Adityanath’s absence, quickly drew a sharp counter from the ruling party. BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla hit back, describing Yadav’s statement as a sign of “political desperation.” Shukla remarked, “SP president Akhilesh Yadav now seems less like a politician and more like a character from a Pogo channel. Whenever he appears on TV, people start smiling. He cracks jokes even on serious issues, and the public no longer takes him seriously.” He further accused Yadav of displaying confusion and disappointment over his own political future, stressing that Uttar Pradesh’s people seek development and stability, not mere rhetoric and sarcasm.
Meanwhile, CM Yogi Adityanath left for Singapore and Japan late on February 22. During his visit, he will hold investor meetings, explore temple visits, and focus on modern transport and investment promotion for UP. A highlight includes a trial ride on Japan’s ultra-high-speed Maglev train (600 kmph) over a 100-km stretch, along with inspections of the Tokyo-Nagoya Maglev corridor.
The exchange underscores the ongoing verbal sparring between SP and BJP ahead of future electoral battles in India’s most populous state.