Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav responded sharply to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent remarks targeting his party and its symbolic red caps. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Yadav suggested those who were criticising the red caps might need one themselves.
Yadav’s remarks were in response to Adityanath’s statement that the SP’s red cap is “laal” (red) and “karnaame kaale hain” (deeds are black). The Chief Minister had accused the SP of having a history “full of black deeds”.
Defending his party, Yadav, who was in Kannauj to meet supporters and thank them for their support during the Lok Sabha elections, said, “Red is the colour of emotions. Red is the color of Goddess Durga.”
Taking a swipe at Adityanath, Yadav remarked, “They are abusing our cap, yet our behaviour is so good. At least we have full hair, so we are wearing a cap. Those who do not have hair should also wear a cap.”
He argued that the Chief Minister’s comments were a result of his inability to accept the BJP’s defeat in Uttar Pradesh. “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath could not bear the shock of defeat in Uttar Pradesh and that’s why he is making such statements,” he said.
Yadav also criticised Adityanath for his comments about the situation in Bangladesh, saying, “If he has something in his mind about a foreign issue, then he should talk to PM (Narendra) Modi and the External Affairs Minister. Actually, he just wants to create chaos on the streets.”
On the issue of caste-based census, Yadav took a firm stance, responding to discussions around the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)’s “skill census” talk.
He cautioned the BJP against being clever in the matter. “Caste census means caste census,” he emphasised, advocating for a count of castes and ensuring rights and respect for all communities.
“This is the demand of the entire PDA (Pichda (backward communities), Dalit and Alpashankhyak (minorities)) family,” the SP chief further said.