Akhilesh Yadav Critiques Yogi Adityanath's Name Change Decision in Bhadohi

Political Reactions to Name Change in Bhadohi

Lucknow, July 29 - The president of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, expressed his criticism towards Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government on Wednesday regarding the decision to rename Bhadohi district back to Sant Ravidas Nagar. He stated that the 'game of name changes' is coming to an end, as the public is ready to change the government in the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Responding to Adityanath's announcement made in Varanasi, Yadav told reporters, 'What can we expect from those who can change the names of deities? This game of renaming will cease, as the public is prepared to change the government.'

This remark from the SP leader followed Adityanath's declaration during the launch of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan' in Varanasi, where he announced the restoration of the district's former name. The BJP views this initiative as a strategy to connect with Dalit communities ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The name change was initially made by the previous Samajwadi Party government on December 6, 2014, when Bhadohi was separated from Varanasi.

During the event in Varanasi, Adityanath remarked that restoring the old name of the district is a true tribute to Sant Ravidas, especially in the year marking his 650th birth anniversary. He also targeted the Samajwadi Party, suggesting that such decisions would not be welcomed by those who idolize figures like Babur and Aurangzeb. Furthermore, he accused the Samajwadi Party of fostering division and conflict among the people.