Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday sharpened his criticism of the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, using pointed remarks and political symbolism as senior leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui formally entered the SP fold after resigning from the Congress.

Addressing party workers, Yadav took a swipe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying, “These days, CM doesn’t just mean Chief Minister — it also means ‘Corrupt Mouth.’” In a sarcastic tone, he added, “Our Chief Minister may call himself a player, but he doesn’t seem capable of playing the game.”

Describing the current political climate as troubling, Yadav remarked, “The atmosphere in Delhi and Lucknow is not healthy. Governance is failing at multiple levels.” He alleged that those in power were avoiding accountability while attempting to deflect criticism.

Without naming individuals, he also objected to what he called disrespectful remarks directed at religious figures. “We hold saffron attire in high regard. But the language being used against revered spiritual leaders like the Shankaracharya is unacceptable,” he said. “Whenever they speak, they spread negativity.”

Yadav questioned what he described as selective scrutiny by authorities. “Those demanding certificates from others should first show their own credentials,” he said, hinting at alleged double standards in administrative actions.

Turning to defence procurement, he raised concerns over the purchase of Rafale fighter jets. “If we are spending hundreds of crores on aircraft from abroad, then what happened to ‘Make in India’?” he asked, suggesting inconsistencies in the Centre’s economic messaging.

The SP chief also accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls. “There is a major scam in the voter list. Even people who usually sign with thumb impressions allegedly have signatures recorded in official forms,” he claimed, linking the issue to delays in local body elections.

Reiterating his demand for a nationwide caste census, Yadav said, “Only after knowing the true population data can reservations be distributed fairly and proportionately.”

Welcoming Siddiqui, he used floral imagery to underline shifting political currents. “Today, flowers are blooming with us, while someone else’s flower is fading,” he said in an apparent reference to the BJP’s lotus symbol. He further hinted at growing understanding between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj, suggesting possible realignments in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.