Overview

• A hoarding in Lucknow juxtaposing the images of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Akhilesh Yadav has triggered a political row in Uttar Pradesh.
• BJP leaders, including Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, condemned the poster as disrespectful to Ambedkar and accused the Samajwadi Party of trying to exploit his legacy.
• The Samajwadi Party has distanced itself from the hoarding, calling it unofficial and suggesting it may have been put up by BJP operatives to create controversy.
• Statewide protests and sit-ins by BJP workers have been organized, with demands for an apology from Akhilesh Yadav over the perceived insult to Ambedkar.
• BSP chief Mayawati has also criticized the poster and warned of further protests if Ambedkar’s image continues to be politicized.