A heated exchange has erupted between Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the state's controversial use of bulldozers to demolish illegal structures linked to accused criminals.

At a gathering of Samajwadi Party workers, Yadav criticized Adityanath's government for allegedly misusing bulldozers for personal gain. He questioned the legality of the Chief Minister's residence and suggested that after the 2027 elections, if the Samajwadi Party comes to power, bulldozers will be sent to Gorakhpur, Adityanath's political stronghold.

Yadav accused Adityanath of using bulldozers to target the homes of innocent people and silence opposition voices. The remarks came in light of recent concerns raised by the Supreme Court, which questioned the legality of demolishing houses as a form of punishment for alleged offenders.

Yogi Adityanath was quick to respond, implying that handling a bulldozer requires both strength and determination, qualities he claimed Yadav lacked. Adityanath stated, “Not everyone has the courage or capability to handle a bulldozer. Those who bow before rioters cannot stand in front of one.”

Adityanath also took a dig at Yadav’s aspirations, suggesting that his dreams of becoming a “Sultan” were far-fetched. He accused the former SP government of corruption and extortion during their rule and likened the pre-2017 state of Uttar Pradesh to chaos caused by man-eating wolves.

The Supreme Court recently weighed in on the controversy, noting that houses cannot be demolished simply because someone is accused of a crime, even if they are convicted. The court plans to issue national guidelines addressing concerns over demolitions linked to criminal accusations.

With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on the horizon, the political rivalry between Yadav and Adityanath appears set to intensify, with both leaders making bold statements to solidify their bases.