‘Red Is the Colour of Emotions’: Akhilesh Yadav Hits Back At Yogi Adityanath After ‘Red Cap’ Barb On SP

The Opposition has question the BJP government's move. (File)

Akhilesh Yadav hits back at Yogi Adityanath's criticism of the SP's red caps, defending the symbolism and addressing broader issues like caste census and BJP's defeat

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has sharply attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his recent comments regarding SP’s signature red caps.

Yadav was responding to Adityanath’s comments that the red caps symbolise “black deeds” associated with the Samajwadi Party. “Red is the colour of emotions and symbolises the Goddess Durga,” Yadav was quoted as saying by India Today, during a rally in Kannauj.

“They are abusing our cap, yet our behaviour is so good. At least we have full hair, so we are wearing a cap. Those who do not have hair should also wear a cap,” he added.

‘Shock of defeat’

Adityanath had previously accused the SP of a history filled with wrongdoing, a claim Yadav dismissed as a reflection of UP CM’s inability to accept the BJP’s electoral setbacks in the state. “He could not bear the shock of defeat, which is why he is making such statements,” Yadav said.

Yadav took issue with Adityanath’s comments about international issues, particularly regarding Bangladesh. “If he has concerns about foreign matters, he should address them with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister,” Yadav remarked, suggesting that Adityanath’s comments were an attempt to incite unrest.

On the topic of a caste-based census, Yadav stressed the need for an accurate count, saying, “Caste census means caste census,” and warned the BJP against any manipulation of the issue. He reiterated that this demand reflects the aspirations of backward communities, Dalits, and minorities, collectively known as the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpashankhyak) family.