Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has raised concerns about what he perceives as deliberate efforts to marginalize minorities and disrupt social harmony. Speaking during a public address, Yadav emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s cultural pluralism and unity, often described as “Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.” He criticized current policies and social trends that he argued aim to diminish the inclusive character of the country.
Yadav drew attention to rising social tensions, asserting that attempts are being made to transform the nation’s minorities, particularly Muslims, into “second-grade” citizens. He linked these developments to broader challenges such as economic instability, youth unemployment, and inadequate governmental response to key issues like agricultural distress. The leader further advocated for a caste census to address inequalities, framing it as a tool to promote justice for marginalized communities.