BJP slams Akhilesh Yadav over 'half-and-half' poster featuring BR Ambedkar

A new political storm has erupted in Uttar Pradesh over a controversial Samajwadi Party (SP) poster that places a split image of party chief Akhilesh Yadav alongside Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar. The design, which shows both figures’ upper torsos side by side and separated by a thin white line, has sparked sharp criticism from the BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), with accusations of disrespect and political opportunism.

Leading the charge, BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya condemned the visual as a gross insult to Ambedkar. He said no comparison could ever be drawn between Akhilesh and Babasaheb, adding that juxtaposing their images diminishes the legacy of the Constitution's architect. He called the act "unacceptable" and claimed it was an attempt to co-opt Dalit symbolism for political gains.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also weighed in, branding the move as reflective of SP’s “corrupt mentality.” Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun followed suit, accusing the party of systematically sidelining Dalit interests during its rule and now resorting to symbolic stunts for votes.

BSP supremo Mayawati also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the SP of indulging in “dirty politics” and misusing Babasaheb’s image to cover up its anti-Dalit history. Echoing the sentiment, Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal issued a scathing rebuke, saying Akhilesh Yadav wasn’t even worthy of being “the dust beneath Babasaheb’s feet.”

Despite the growing outrage, Akhilesh Yadav and the SP have remained silent on the controversy, with no official statement issued so far. The political fallout, however, may grow louder as elections near and caste sensitivities continue to shape the political discourse in the state.