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The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh (UP) continues to be a battleground of verbal skirmishes, with the latest exchange involving the state's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav, focusing on the contentious practice of 'bulldozer justice'. The 'bulldozer' has become a symbolic representation of the BJP-led government's approach to dealing with alleged criminals, with properties belonging to accused individuals being demolished in several BJP-ruled states.
The escalating war of words began with Yadav's sarcastic remark on Tuesday. He implied that once the SP forms the government in UP after the 2027 state election, the bulldozers currently employed for 'justice' would be directed towards Adityanath's home district of Gorakhpur. Adityanath, known for his strong stance and often referred to as a 'bulldozer baba', responded the next day with a veiled jab at Yadav, asserting that operating a bulldozer requires both mental and emotional strength, not just physical capability. He further mocked Yadav's nickname 'Tipu', associating it with the 18th-century ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore – a figure often invoked by the BJP to create a Hindu-Muslim narrative, as seen in the 2023 Karnataka election.
Adityanath dismissed Yadav's chances of winning the 2027 election as a 'daydream' and accused his predecessor and uncle, Shivpal Yadav, of corruption. Yadav retorted with a challenge on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting Adityanath form a separate party with 'bulldozer' as its symbol. He also questioned Adityanath's future within the BJP, insinuating that his rise to the position of Prime Minister was unlikely. This exchange followed a significant observation by the Supreme Court, questioning the validity of 'bulldozer justice'. The court raised concerns about demolishing buildings merely because they belong to an accused or convict, citing the recent example of a house in Rajasthan being demolished due to its owner's son stabbing a classmate. The bench expressed disapproval of the controversial practice.
Yadav continued his attack by demanding an apology from the UP government for the bulldozing of houses and buildings, even suggesting a name change for the BJP to 'Bhartiya Jogi Party'. He also sarcastically inquired about the legal status of the land on which Adityanath's residence is built. The heated exchange highlights the simmering political tension in UP, with the 'bulldozer' becoming a symbol of power and justice, yet facing criticism for its potential misuse and lack of due process. The Supreme Court's observation has added another layer to the debate, challenging the legality and morality of 'bulldozer justice'.
Source: Yogi Adityanath's "Requires Heart" Reply To Akhilesh Yadav's Bulldozer Jab