Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Plot to Remove Yogi Adityanath Amid MP Land Row

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that the controversy surrounding Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's land dealings is part of a larger conspiracy to force a leadership change in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is using the land row to destabilise Yogi Adityanath's government.

"They want to remove the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The allegations against Mohan Yadav are just a pretext to pave the way for a leadership change in BJP-ruled states," Yadav said, without providing specific evidence for his claim.

The controversy erupted after reports emerged that Mohan Yadav, then a minister, had allegedly acquired land in a town near Bhopal using dubious means. The opposition Congress has demanded a probe into the matter. However, the BJP has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

Yadav's remarks come amid speculation about leadership changes in several BJP-ruled states ahead of the 2024 general elections. While the party has denied any such plans, political analysts point to recent shuffles in some states as indicative of a broader strategy.

The Samajwadi Party chief also criticised the BJP for what he called a "culture of corruption and vendetta politics." He urged the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field in upcoming elections.

The BJP responded by accusing Akhilesh Yadav of making baseless allegations to divert attention from the corruption in his own party. "Akhilesh Yadav is known for his lies. The people of Uttar Pradesh have rejected him once and will do so again," said BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi.

The land row involving Mohan Yadav remains under investigation by the Madhya Pradesh Police. No formal charges have been filed yet.