Akhilesh Yadav directs party ranks to avoid public celebrations after Council poll gains

LUCKNOW — Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has instructed party colleagues to refrain from organising public rallies and victory processions following recent successes in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections.

The directive comes as votes are counted for 11 legislative council seats that went to polls on October 23. The Samajwadi Party has secured the teachers’ constituencies in the Varanasi and Agra divisions and holds a lead in the Varanasi graduate constituency, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has retained four seats so far.

This is the first time the Samajwadi Party chief has issued such a directive to party ranks. In a post on social media, Yadav congratulated party workers on the electoral gains but cautioned against public celebrations. He advised members to celebrate peacefully using social media and to avoid any commotion or processions.

Yadav stated that the party must guard against conspiracies and false allegations with the state Assembly polls approaching. He warned that opponents could exploit public gatherings to create disturbances and tarnish the party’s image.

Party insiders said the warning was intended to avert potential clashes between Samajwadi Party workers and BJP supporters during victory celebrations. According to internal sources, there were concerns that rival elements might infiltrate events to trigger untoward incidents, which could lead to police cases against party workers and negative propaganda ahead of the elections.

The directive carries political weight as the ruling BJP, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, frequently positions law and order as a central electoral plank against the Samajwadi Party, often referencing the law and order record of previous administrations. Speaking at the GCC Innovation Summit in Lucknow, Adityanath asserted that the state has become riot-free under the current administration, contrasting it with the period before 2017.

Despite barring public processions, Yadav announced that the party will formally felicitate victorious candidates and supporters. He has requested winning MLCs to compile lists of individuals and well-wishers who assisted in their campaigns so that the party can honour them appropriately.