(Image source from: News9live.com)

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's comment about "two examples," seemingly directed at opposition figures Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, has led to a strong reply from Yadav. He reconceived the Chief Minister's statement to imply that there is an open struggle for power within the BJP. A video that has become quite popular shows Adityanath addressing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The opposition has pressed the state government regarding the supposed smuggling of Codeine cough syrup in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that prompt action could have prevented the deaths of many children. The Chief Minister dismissed these accusations, asserting that not one child died in Uttar Pradesh due to the syrup. Without specifically mentioning anyone, he remarked to the key opposition party members, "There are two examples, one located in Delhi and the other in Lucknow. Whenever there is a discussion in the nation, he runs away overseas. I believe the same is occurring with your leader. He goes to England while you all keep shouting here."

Although Adityanath didn’t mention names, his comment was perceived as a slight towards Rahul Gandhi, who leads the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Akhilesh Yadav, who is the head of the Samajwadi Party, a Lok Sabha member, and a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Previously, Adityanath mocked Gandhi, Yadav, and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav from the RJD, referring to them as "three monkeys" and labeling them "Pappu,""Tappu," and "Appu." While speaking at a rally ahead of the Bihar elections, he stated, "Just as Mahatma Gandhi was associated with three monkeys, today the INDIA coalition introduced three monkeys named Pappu, Tappu, and Appu (Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav). Pappu is unable to speak the truth or say anything valuable. Tappu can’t notice any truth, and Appu cannot bear to hear the truth," he declared.

Yadav has now reacted to Adityanath's "two examples" comment on X, calling it an admission of sorts. "None expected that the battle between Delhi and Lucknow would escalate to this level. Individuals holding constitutional roles should maintain respect. The BJP should keep its internal conflicts private," said the Kannauj MP. Notably, Yadav shared his post just moments after Adityanath released a video of his comments on X. The Samajwadi Party has consistently insisted on the existence of a power struggle between Yogi Adityanath's administration in Uttar Pradesh and the BJP leaders at the national level. Supporters of the idea that there is a conflict between the BJP's central leadership and Yogi Adityanath have pointed to the selection of Deputy Chief Ministers and certain bureaucrats, suggesting these moves are intended to restrict the Chief Minister's authority. Adityanath has dismissed such allegations, maintaining that he is in his position because of the party's support.