BJP Slams Akhilesh Yadav Over Samajwadi Party Meeting Inside Mosque on Parliament Street

A significant political controversy has erupted over Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav’s recent visit to a mosque situated near Parliament.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Yadav of conducting a political meeting in a religious setting and criticised the attire of his wife, SP MP Dimple Yadav, during the visit.

The controversy intensified after photos of the visit circulated, showing SP leaders, including Dimple Yadav, seated inside the mosque.

Allegations from BJP Leaders

BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui strongly criticised the visit, claiming Akhilesh Yadav had transformed the mosque into “an unofficial SP office.”

“Akhilesh Yadav went to the mosque yesterday. That mosque is located in front of the Parliament building. SP MP Nadvi is the imam there. We condemn him as well – why was a political meeting held inside a mosque?” Siddiqui questioned.

He also made direct allegations against Dimple Yadav, stating, “In the photo, Dimple Yadav is seen sitting in a blouse – her back and stomach are visible. Dimple Yadav did not have a dupatta on her head.”

He argued this was against the conduct expected inside a mosque and claimed it offended Islamic sentiments worldwide.

Siddiqui further announced, “We will file an FIR against them. If this is the way, we will also hold a meeting in the same mosque on July 25, starting with the National Song and ending with the National Anthem.”

He alleged that the mosque was being misused for “fun and frolic” and went as far as accusing the leaders of discussing “anti-national activities.”

Constitutional Violation Claims

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also criticised the SP, accusing them of disregarding constitutional provisions.

“Samajwadi Party always violates the Constitution. The Indian Constitution says that we cannot use religious places for political purposes. They do not have faith in the Constitution,” he stated.

SP Denies Allegations, Slams Misinformation

In response, the Samajwadi Party refuted all allegations. Both Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav rejected claims of holding a political meeting and described the controversy as an attempt by the BJP to deflect public attention from key issues.

“There is nothing like that,” Dimple Yadav clarified, referring to the viral photos.

“Imam Nadvi ji, who is our MP, had invited us, so we went. BJP is spreading misinformation. We didn’t go there for any meeting. The BJP is saying all this to divert attention from the real issues. The government doesn’t want to talk about matters concerning the people.”

Dimple went on to highlight the BJP’s silence on more pressing national concerns. She pointed to issues such as the SIR in Bihar, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindoor, calling them “very important matters” that the government was ignoring.

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Misusing Religion

Akhilesh Yadav, while speaking to reporters, accused the BJP of using religion as a political tool. “I thank you, but you too have fallen into BJP’s trap,” he said.

“These are religious people standing beside me. I only know one thing: faith connects people, regardless of the religion. Any faith that brings people together, we stand with it. That’s exactly what troubles the BJP – they don’t want unity, they want distance to remain.”

Support from SP and Congress Leaders

SP MP Zia ur Rehman Barq dismissed the accusations as baseless. “There were no political meetings held. Don’t we have space in the Parliament or in the residences of MPs to hold meetings? Why would he have a meeting in a mosque?” he asked.

Regarding the criticism of Dimple Yadav’s attire, he added, “Dimple ji had covered her head – it’s possible her dupatta slipped when the photo was taken.”

SP leader Rajeev Rai sarcastically remarked whether party leaders now needed a licence to visit temples and mosques.

Congress MP Imran Masood also condemned the BJP’s remarks. “The mosque’s imam is also a Member of Parliament. What’s the issue if he sat in the mosque? BJP should be ashamed. Dimple Yadav was dressed according to Indian culture. BJP leaders have become mentally bankrupt. They are insulting women.”

Jamal Siddiqui, in his statements to ANI, reiterated that Akhilesh Yadav had misused the “pious mosque” and criticised Imam Mohibbullah Nadvi, who is also an SP MP, for allowing such a visit.

“This shows Akhilesh Yadav thinks all Islamic religious places are in his pocket,” Siddiqui said, promising further protests and legal action.

He also targeted AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, questioning, “Why are so-called representatives of Muslims like Asaduddin Owaisi, hidden now?”