Yadav Accuses BJP of Exploiting Artistes to Suppress Anti-Establishment Sentiment
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the BJP for allegedly utilizing vulnerable performers for political gain while neglecting their financial welfare. The former Chief Minister pledged to restore state honors and monthly pensions for creatives if returned to power.
Key takeaways
- Akhilesh Yadav provided ₹51,000 in aid to two Ramlila performers while accusing the BJP of exploiting struggling artistes for political optics.
- The SP leader pledged to revive the Yash Bharti Samman, offering a ₹1 lakh monthly lifetime pension to recognized creatives from Uttar Pradesh.
- Yadav alleged that over 26,000 government primary schools have been shut down since the BJP took office in March 2017.
- The opposition leader claims the BJP fears creative expression because it fuels anti-establishment sentiment and challenges conservative orthodoxies.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav intensified his critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 2, 2026, alleging that the current administration exploits vulnerable creative professionals for political theater while simultaneously fearing their capacity for independent expression. Speaking in Lucknow, Yadav argued that the BJP views genuine creativity as a threat that could amplify a growing anti-establishment movement across the state.
Allegations of Artistic Exploitation
The SP leader's remarks followed a recent incident where an artiste portraying Lord Hanuman performed before the chariot of BJP national president Nitin Nabin. Yadav characterized this as a misuse of talent that insulted devotees globally. He emphasized that the blame lies not with the performers, who are often driven by economic desperation, but with a government that lacks a structural place for the arts.
To demonstrate his party's contrasting approach, Yadav provided financial assistance of ₹51,000 each to two Ramlila performers portraying Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. He defined the BJP acronym as representing corruption, oppression, and sin, asserting that the state's systemic issues will persist until a change in leadership occurs.
Pledges for Policy Reversal and Honors
Yadav committed to reinstating the 'Yash Bharti Samman' should the Samajwadi Party regain control. The proposed policy includes a lifetime monthly pension of ₹1 lakh for talented individuals from Uttar Pradesh who contribute significantly to society. He argued that while the BJP only offers platforms to artistes when it serves the party's image, his administration would treat creativity as a tool for promoting harmony and equality.
Education and Institutional Decline
Beyond the cultural sphere, the SP chief attacked the government's record on public education. Yadav presented data claiming a significant reduction in the state's educational infrastructure since 2017.
- Total government primary schools in March 2017: 1,13,938
- Schools closed under BJP tenure: Over 26,000
Yadav alleged these closures specifically target children from the PDA communities—comprising Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities—to systematically deny them educational opportunities. He concluded that the suppression of writers, journalists, and performers is a deliberate strategy by conservative forces to stifle voices that challenge orthodoxies.
Source: The Hindu — National