Akhilesh Yadav rally draws criticism from Uttar Pradesh leaders over turnout and law-and-order claims

Senior Uttar Pradesh government leaders criticised Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s Dadri and Noida rally, calling it poorly attended and linking it to concerns about law and order. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak also contrasted the event with development projects, including the Noida International Airport.

Senior Uttar Pradesh government leaders said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s rally in Dadri drew fewer people than expected. They called it a failed event and linked it to what they described as caste-based politics. The comments came after Yadav held the meeting in Gautam Buddh Nagar district. The rally also marked an early push towards the 2027 Uttar Pradesh election.

Yadav addressed the gathering a day after PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar. At the Dadri rally, Yadav attacked the BJP and raised issues about airports and the Constitution. Yadav also rejected claims about staying away from Noida while in office. Yadav said the previous government helped secure required clearances for the Jewar airport.

Akhilesh Yadav rally in Dadri: BJP questions turnout and message

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the event did not attract a large crowd. Pathak said this showed the party was losing touch with local issues. The empty chairs at the public meeting signal that the public has moved away from caste-based and opportunistic politics and is now prioritizing development, he said. Pathak also repeated claims about superstition linked to Noida visits.

BJP MLA from Dadri, Tejpal Nagar, criticised Yadav’s outreach at the rally. Tejpal Nagar said the speech did not deliver a clear message for the Gurjar community. Tejpal Nagar also alleged the SP reaches out to selected groups mainly during elections. Tejpal Nagar claimed the party’s focus remains on gaining political power rather than consistent engagement.

Akhilesh Yadav rally in Dadri: Maurya alleges criminal influence

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the SP’s Noida rally was led by unlawful elements. Maurya alleged it was dominated by rioters, land mafia and criminals. In a statement, Maurya said the event was a failure. He also said, "The fundamental character of the Samajwadi Partys politics is rooted in a divide and rule policy,\" he said.

Maurya said Uttar Pradesh faced disorder during Yadav’s time as Chief Minister. Maurya claimed law and order had broken down and investors left the state. Maurya warned that an SP return would hurt public safety and business. If the SP comes to power, it will bring misery, it will usher in a regime of goonda raj and it will lead to land encroachments and the business community will be exploited.

Akhilesh Yadav rally in Dadri: Noida visit jibes and airport debate

Maurya said Yadav avoided Noida earlier due to superstition. Maurya said the current government inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar on that same ground. Pathak made a similar claim about a belief that Chief Ministers lose power after visiting Noida. UP CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi have also made such jibes at Yadav.

At the rally, Yadav targeted the BJP over airport openings. Yadav said seven airports were inaugurated, but six were not functional. Yadav also said the BJP event during the Jewar airport inauguration had paid attendees. Yadav also warned about constitutional risks. Those who talked about winning 400 seats to change the Constitution have been defeated, but danger remains as long as the BJP is in power.

The exchange highlighted sharp political messaging ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh election. Yadav used the Dadri rally to attack the BJP on airports and constitutional issues. The BJP leaders focused on turnout, law and order claims, and Noida-related remarks. The dispute followed the Noida International Airport inauguration in Jewar and continued the public war of words.

With inputs from PTI