Mayawati Demands Akhilesh Apology for SP Spokesman's Brahmin Slur

Political tensions flared in Uttar Pradesh as BSP leader Mayawati launched a blistering attack on Samajwadi Party's Rajkumar Bhati over his provocative comments against Brahmins. On Friday, she directly called out Akhilesh Yadav for staying mum and insisted on a public apology to defuse the crisis. Posting on X, Mayawati condemned the 'abusive and deplorable' rhetoric, which has ignited massive public fury. Despite legal action by police, the scandal continues to simmer, exacerbated by SP's leadership's conspicuous silence. 'This caste-driven approach is heightening tensions across the board,' she observed. Mayawati stressed that the damage to Brahmin pride demands immediate accountability from SP's top brass. The episode lays bare the party's entrenched prejudices, not just against Brahmins but also Dalits, OBCs, and minorities—a bias that's grown more pronounced, she claimed. Drawing a stark comparison, she lauded BSP's inclusive governance, where Brahmins enjoyed equitable representation and honor without exploitation. Current sentiments against the ruling dispensation's handling of Brahmin issues are palpable, adding fuel to the fire. Bhati's remarks had already drawn sharp rebukes online and offline, leading to protests and calls for his ouster. In his defense, the SP leader expressed regret, asserting no malicious intent. Yet, Mayawati's strong stance signals deepening rifts in UP's opposition politics, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of key battles.