A shocking incident in Lucknow has stirred political circles after a man attempted self-immolation outside the Samajwadi Party (SP) office. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and SP national president Akhilesh Yadav linked the incident to the “cruelty” and “injustice” of the BJP government. However, in a viral video, the victim is seen blaming an SP leader and his brother for harassment and for trying to grab his house, raising questions on Akhilesh’s claims.
What Happened in Lucknow
The victim, identified as 48-year-old Yogendra Upkar Bobby from Aligarh, arrived in Lucknow with his brother Guddu and a woman named Saba Parveen. On Wednesday, he set himself on fire outside the SP office. At the hospital, Yogendra told reporters in a recorded video that SP leader Sameer Mehdi and his contractor brother wanted to capture his house. He added that he had earlier submitted an application to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath but no action was taken. In the video, he clearly names Sameer Mehdi and his brother as those pressuring him.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Post on X
Despite this, Akhilesh Yadav shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) and claimed, “A young man, frustrated by the ruthless BJP government, tried to wake it up through a painful act of self-immolation.” He blamed the state government for injustice and hopelessness. But on closer review, the victim’s allegation points toward SP-linked people, not the BJP government. He only mentioned police inaction but held SP leaders mainly responsible for his plight.
Social Media Backlash Against Akhilesh
BJP supporters and social media users called Akhilesh’s post a case of “misinformation.” One user commented, “In the video itself, the victim clearly names an SP MLA and his brother. Yet Akhilesh blames the BJP. Hiding the truth and misleading people has become SP’s identity.” Others reminded him of the “goonda raj” under SP rule and accused him of shifting blame to earn political mileage.
More Allegations by the Victim
According to sources, Yogendra said he had tried to lodge a complaint at Kotwali police station, but no FIR was registered. He also accused four local men—Danish, Qasim, Najim, and Master—of taking six lakh rupees from him and refusing to return it. Yogendra alleged that these men are involved in gambling and threatened him when he demanded repayment.
Police Action and BJP Reaction
Police have now registered a case at Gautampalli police station and started an investigation. Yogendra is undergoing treatment at a Lucknow hospital. BJP leader Vikas Pratap Singh Rathore said, “This is clearly the SP’s doing, but Akhilesh ji is trying to pin it on the BJP. Under Baba ji’s rule, culprits will not be spared.”
Political Misinformation Debate
The episode highlights how Akhilesh Yadav tried to project the self-immolation attempt as frustration against the BJP government, while the victim’s own statement accused SP leaders. The incident has sparked a debate on political misinformation, showing how Akhilesh Yadav is twisting facts for political advantage.
