Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday launched a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, redefining his coined term “PDA” as “Parivar Development Agency” and dismissing it as a “hoax”. Yadav’s PDA refers to a coalition of ‘Pichhde’ (backward classes), Dalits, and ‘Alpasankhyak’ (minorities).
The war of words erupted after Akhilesh Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter), calling PDA the “shield of the Constitution” and a symbol of unity among 90 percent of the population. “PDA is the name of the unity of 90 per cent of the people. PDA is the shield of the Constitution and reservation,” Yadav posted in Hindi.
Responding to Yadav’s remarks, Maurya said, “SP president Akhilesh Yadav, you may abuse or insult me, but I will always use respectful words for you. But remember, the people of UP will give a befitting reply to your politics of insult and appeasement.”
Taking a dig at SP’s backward caste politics, Maurya added, “The backward classes and the poor will puncture your cycle and turn SP into a ‘Samaaptvadi Party’ (Finished Party). The truth is that you can never tolerate a strong, backward leader. Your PDA (Parivar Development Agency) is just a hoax.”
Maurya further targeted Yadav over his support for SP leader Abu Azmi, who was suspended from the Maharashtra Assembly for glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. “If you were truly a supporter of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, then Aurangzeb-glorifying MLA Abu Azmi would have been ousted from the SP by now,” Maurya said.
The political slugfest highlights the ongoing battle between the BJP and SP ahead of the upcoming elections, with caste equations and historical narratives taking center stage.
