Politics

SP Leader Akhilesh Yadav Highlights BJP’s Alleged Divide Between Gorakhpur and Varanasi

By Mayank Kumar

After the Legislative Council elections, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s central and state leadership are at odds, framing a Gorakhpur‑versus‑Varanasi narrative. He accused Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government of being anti‑Brahmin and anti‑Bania, urging the business community to support the SP. "Let Kashi drown, but our Gorakhpur business must not stop," Yadav told a meeting in Lucknow on 30 October 2026, referring to the BJP’s win in the Gorakhpur Legislative Council Graduates’ seat and the loss of both Varanasi seats. He claimed the SP’s support base had reached 95% thanks to Brahmins, business people and Kayasthas, and that the BJP had targeted traditional voting communities.

Yadav also spoke to Brahmins about alleged harassment of SP candidate Dr. Sanjayan Tripathi in the Gorakhpur Graduates’ seat. He said corrupt BJP members and their allies had conspired to rig the vote count, calling the conspiracy "Haata Nahi Bhaata". SP spokesperson Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’ explained that the phrase refers to the late Hari Shankar Tiwari, a senior Gorakhpur Brahmin leader disliked by the CM, and that Brahmins in general are not favoured by the government.

The SP won five of the 11 Council seats on 23 October, while the BJP secured six. In a separate BJP State Executive meeting, Union Home Minister urged party workers to set aside disappointment and work toward a third BJP government, praising CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration for its strong governance and for removing mafia influence.

Published – 1 November 2026 02:26 am IST