Political tensions in Uttar Pradesh escalated on Thursday after Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Awadhesh Prasad accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being “rattled” by the growing popularity of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The remarks came amid fresh speculation over possible defections and internal shifts within opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The exchange has intensified the ongoing political war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition SP in one of India’s most politically significant states.

The controversy was triggered after Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya claimed that several Samajwadi Party Members of Parliament were in touch with the BJP. Maurya’s statement added to growing political chatter about potential crossovers and internal instability within the SP. BJP leaders have, in recent weeks, repeatedly suggested that dissatisfaction within opposition ranks could lead to realignments before the next state elections.

Responding strongly to these claims, SP leader Awadhesh Prasad dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and baseless. He argued that the BJP was attempting to create confusion among voters and weaken the opposition narrative by circulating unverified claims about defections. Prasad insisted that there was no internal crisis within the Samajwadi Party and that its leadership remained united under Akhilesh Yadav’s direction.

Also Read: UP Minister’s Claim Of Major Split In Samajwadi Party Rejected By Akhilesh Yadav

“The situation is that the BJP is rattled by the growing popularity of Akhilesh Yadav, and in its panic, it is making baseless statements… The public’s faith, trust, and confidence have increased for SP and Akhilesh Yadav,” Prasad said. He further added that attempts to project instability within the SP were a sign of political insecurity within the ruling establishment, asserting that the opposition party continues to enjoy strong grassroots support across several regions of the state.

The political sparring comes at a time when both the BJP and SP are increasingly focused on positioning themselves for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. While the BJP is highlighting its organisational strength, governance record, and electoral machinery, the Samajwadi Party is attempting to consolidate opposition votes by projecting itself as a strong alternative. Political observers note that early rhetoric around defections and popularity contests is likely to intensify as both sides prepare for a high-stakes electoral battle.

So far, the BJP has not issued an official response to the latest remarks made by the SP MP. However, the exchange reflects a broader pattern of escalating political rhetoric in Uttar Pradesh, where statements from senior leaders on both sides frequently trigger counterclaims. As the political climate continues to heat up, further exchanges between the two parties are expected in the run-up to the state elections.

Also Read: Akhilesh Demands Deep Probe Into Alleged ‘Anti-Sanatan’ Gang In Temple Fund Row