BJP fears creative expression as it will strengthen ‘anti-establishment wave’, says Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday (August 2, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing the talent of helpless and vulnerable artistes to further its own political interests. The BJP fears expression of creativity as it will further strengthen the “anti-establishment wave”, Mr. Yadav said after making an “offering” of ₹51,000 each to two Ramlila artistes, who play Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. The BJP stands for “ bhrasht ” (corrupt), “ julm ” (oppression), and “ paap ” (sin), the Opposition leader said. All major problems in Uttar Pradesh would end only after the BJP was voted out of power, he said.