Amit Shah's 'Friend' Remark Creates Stir in UP Politics; Akhilesh Yadav Takes a Dig, BJP Responds with a Message of Unity
UP News: A recent government function in Lucknow witnessed an interesting political scene. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya shared the stage. The event's main purpose was to distribute appointment letters to over 60,000 newly appointed police personnel. However, the most discussed aspect was Amit Shah addressing Keshav Prasad Maurya as 'friend'.
Amit Shah sat in the center of the stage, with CM Yogi to his right and Deputy CM Maurya to his left. Throughout the event, Shah interacted with both leaders. However, his addressing Maurya as 'friend' during his speech sparked much discussion in political circles.
'Friend' Address Draws Attention
This was the first time Amit Shah publicly addressed Keshav Maurya as 'friend'. Significantly, CM Yogi was also present on the stage. A video clip of this moment, highlighting only the 'friend' remark, quickly spread on social media.
However, listening carefully to the full speech reveals that Amit Shah first called Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a 'successful and popular' CM before referring to Maurya as 'friend'. This incident is being viewed through the lens of BJP's strategy, with Shah delivering a political message to both Yogi and Maurya simultaneously.
New Direction for BJP's OBC Politics
According to political analysts, Shah's statement was more than just words; it carried a b political message. It's seen as an attempt to strengthen the BJP's hold on OBC (Other Backward Classes) politics.
Keshav Maurya, a prominent OBC face within the party, had been somewhat sidelined after losing the assembly elections. However, Amit Shah's public address calling him 'friend' suggests the BJP is preparing to leverage the OBC card again.
A Clear Message for CM Yogi as Well
Amit Shah also openly praised CM Yogi in his address, calling him a 'successful and popular' Chief Minister. This clearly indicates that the party leadership is not currently considering any change in the Chief Minister's position.
This can be seen as a clear BJP strategy: engaging the OBC community while maintaining Yogi Adityanath's popularity. The BJP successfully conveyed a message of complete unity within the party in Uttar Pradesh.
Akhilesh Yadav's Snipe and the BJP's Response
Following this statement, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav responded on social media, stating, "They didn't include his picture in the advertisement... they called someone else 'friend!'" This statement was interpreted as an allusion to potential internal strife within the BJP.
However, the BJP responded immediately. Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap stated that while the SP and Congress platforms are marked by infighting and abuse, the BJP exhibits mutual respect and harmony. He said Amit Shah's praise for CM Yogi and his calling Maurya 'friend' are positive signs in politics.
Countering the Opposition Narrative
This BJP move is also seen as a counter to the 'Thakur vs. PDA' narrative created by the SP. Akhilesh Yadav has repeatedly characterized the Yogi government as representing a specific caste. Amit Shah's statement can be interpreted as an attempt to project a more inclusive image of the BJP.
Maurya's Comeback?
Political observers believe the party aims to bring Maurya back into an active political role, capitalizing on his b hold within the OBC community. It also signals that underestimating Maurya would be premature.
However, the BJP's losses in Maurya's region during the 2022 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections had impacted his political stature. Now, the BJP may be attempting to restore him to a central role.
