Explained: Yogi Adityanath-Akhilesh's war of words over use of bulldozers
A verbal clash has broken out between Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the contentious use of bulldozers to demolish illegal structures linked to crime suspects in the state. The dispute began on Tuesday when Yadav, speaking to party workers in Lucknow, made remarks criticizing the practice, sparking a response from Adityanath. Here's what happened.
Why does this story matter?
This comes after the Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the legality of using bulldozers to demolish the homes of alleged offenders as a form of punishment. During the hearing, the court emphasized that even if a person is convicted, their house cannot be demolished. The bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, was reviewing a petition challenging the practice in several cases and announced plans to issue pan-India guidelines to address such demolitions.
What Yadav said during SP meet
During Tuesday's address at the Samajwadi Party office, Yadav questioned the legality of the Chief Minister's residence, asking, "Has the map for the CM's residence been approved? They misuse bulldozers for personal gain. Bulldozers have no brain, only a steering wheel." He further claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be wiped out in the 2027 Assembly elections, adding that "as soon as the Samajwadi Party government is formed...the bulldozers...will head towards Gorakhpur."
'Not everyone has courage to handle bulldozer...': Adityanath
Adityanath swiftly responded to Yadav's remarks, saying that not everyone has the "courage or capability" to handle a bulldozer. He added that operating a bulldozer requires both "heart and mind," "Today, these people are trying to mislead the public again. Not everyone's hands can fit on a bulldozer... Only someone with bulldozer-like capability and determination can operate it," he said, adding, "Those who bow before rioters cannot stand in front of a bulldozer."
Adityanath jibes at Yadav's nickname
Adityanath also took a swipe at Yadav's nickname, "Tipu," suggesting his dream of becoming a "Sultan" was unrealistic. He said, "Tipu aaj Sultan banne ka khwab dekh raha hai [Tipu is dreaming of becoming a king today]," adding that this is the same "Tipu" who once "bowed before the mafia." To recall, Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the former Kingdom of Mysore, was a key figure in the BJP's Hindu-Muslim narrative during last year's Karnataka election.
'Your pride will be shattered...': Yadav on X
Yadav replied to Adityanath's comments on X, "If you and your bulldozer are so successful, form a separate party and contest elections on 'bulldozer' election symbol." "Your illusions and pride will be shattered. Anyway, in your current situation, even if you are in the BJP, you are 'nothing', you will have to form a separate party... if not today, then tomorrow," Yadav said in Hindi.
