Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A war of words erupted between Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav this week over the use of bulldozers as a symbol of justice in BJP-ruled states. The debate began after Yadav suggested that, following the 2027 state elections, the bulldozers that have been used to demolish properties of accused individuals should be directed toward Adityanath’s home district of Gorakhpur.
Responding to Yadav’s remark on Wednesday, Yogi Adityanath emphasized that only those with “bulldozer-like capability” could handle such equipment, stating, “Not everyone’s hands can fit… it requires both heart and mind.” He also took a dig at Yadav’s moniker ‘Tipu,’ referencing the 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan to insinuate Yadav’s attempts to elevate his status.
Adityanath further dismissed Yadav’s chances in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections as mere “daydreams” and accused him, along with his uncle Shivpal Yadav, of extortion during his tenure as Chief Minister.
In a swift counter, Akhilesh Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter) to challenge Adityanath, saying, “If you and your bulldozer are so successful, form a separate party and contest elections with a bulldozer as the symbol.” He mocked Adityanath’s prospects of becoming a prime ministerial candidate, stating that even within the BJP, his chances were slim. “You will have to form a separate party… if not today then tomorrow,” Yadav quipped.
The Origin of the Bulldozer Debate
The heated exchange began on Tuesday when Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP’s use of bulldozers to demolish properties of accused individuals, a practice commonly referred to as ‘bulldozer justice.’ He hinted that if the Samajwadi Party came to power, these bulldozers would target Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath’s constituency.
Yadav’s comments came shortly after the Supreme Court raised questions about the legality of demolishing buildings merely because they belong to someone accused or convicted of a crime. The court’s scrutiny followed several high-profile cases where properties were demolished as punitive measures, such as a recent incident in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where a house was razed after the owner’s son was accused of a stabbing.
Yadav’s Continued Criticism
Building on his earlier remarks, Akhilesh Yadav further criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, demanding an apology for the numerous demolitions carried out under its rule. He suggested that the BJP rename itself the “Bhartiya Jogi Party” in a jibe at Yogi Adityanath.
Yadav also questioned the legality of the land on which Adityanath’s residence is built, implying that the Chief Minister might not adhere to the very regulations he enforces. “The people who scared others away with bulldozers… who demolished others’ houses… tell me, is the land for his residence approved?” Yadav challenged.
He concluded by highlighting the Supreme Court’s stance against using bulldozers for such demolitions, asking if the government would now apologize for its previous actions.
