Tensions between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Uttar Pradesh government escalated after SP president Akhilesh Yadav responded sharply to the Chief Minister’s controversial comments during a Bihar election rally. The CM, campaigning in Darbhanga’s Kewti constituency, likened the opposition alliance to Mahatma Gandhi’s “three monkeys,” calling them “Pappu, Tappu, and Appu,” suggesting they “cannot see, speak, or hear the truth.” The remarks drew laughter from his supporters but also sparked political backlash.

Akhilesh Yadav hit back on social media platform X with an indirect yet pointed statement, writing in a couplet style, “Those who look in the mirror before stepping out see monkeys everywhere. If made to sit among a troop of monkeys, they won’t look any different.” His post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from party workers, political analysts, and commentators.