On 21st December, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Suresh Yadav stirred controversy with his remarks, labelling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a “Hindu terrorist organisation”. His remarks came during a protest in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, against the ruling party for Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on B.R. Ambedkar in the Lok Sabha.
Ambedkar Row: SP MLA Suresh Yadav stokes controversy
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 22, 2024
'This govt (BJP) is a Hindu terror organization. They want to destroy the entire country…' – Suresh Yadav, SP leader. @mymanishky and @anchoramitaw with more details. pic.twitter.com/OOKlOotetd
Notably, HM Shah’s Lok Sabha speech was trimmed in a way that made it appear as though he was insulting Ambedkar. Detailed fact-check on the controversy can be checked here.
As Yadav’s remarks drew criticism, he issued a clarification, claiming he did not make any such statement despite videos of his speech going viral on social media.
What is the controversy about?
A protest was organised at the Sugarcane Institute in Barabanki by the SP and Congress on 21st December against HM Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar. During the protest, Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP. He claimed that the BJP is a “Hindu terrorist organisation” aiming to destroy the democratic fabric of the country and insult the legacy of great leaders. A video of his remarks was widely shared on social media.
#BreakingNews: SP विधायक सुरेश यादव का विवादित बयान, केंद्र सरकार को बताया हिंदू आतंकी संगठन#SureshYadav #Barabanki #SamajwadiParty | @_poojaLive pic.twitter.com/kBDIOgIBgp
— Zee News (@ZeeNews) December 22, 2024
The BJP condemned the statement, terming it irresponsible. National spokesperson of the BJP, Shehzad Poonawalla, accused the SP of harbouring anti-Hindu sentiments and promoting divisive rhetoric. He called for an apology from the SP leader.
Suresh Yadav’s clarification
Following the backlash, Yadav issued a clarification and denied the allegations. He claimed that the viral video was doctored. He said, “I have been a legislator for several terms and know what to say and what not to say.” Accusing political opponents of conspiring against him by editing the video, he said, “I categorically deny making such remarks.”
#Breaking | 'I have never said anything like this…I believe that the opponents have edited my video…': SP MLA Suresh Yadav issues a clarification after his 'BJP is a Hindu terrorist organisation' remark.@mymanishky joins @HeenaGambhir with details. pic.twitter.com/gOHQYuaFgB
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 22, 2024
Who is Suresh Yadav and his history of controversies?
Suresh Yadav is an SP MLA from the Sadar constituency of Barabanki. He is well known for making controversial statements. Yadav is a close aide of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and has frequently found himself in the midst of controversies. Notably, his family has also faced legal troubles. His brother, Dharmendra Yadav, was charged under the Gangster Act, with properties worth over ₹1 crore seized, including luxury vehicles and real estate.
Additionally, Yadav’s nephew, Arjun Yadav, who is Dharmendra Yadav’s son, was also booked under the Gangster Act. Dharmendra Yadav’s two marriages have reportedly resulted in frequent family feuds, including incidents of violence that have drawn police intervention. Such legal and personal controversies have kept the family in the spotlight.
