Community leaders say one-sided remarks based on incorrect information hurt Muslim workers, question the party’s PDA claim
FATEHPUR — Muslim workers of the Samajwadi Party staged a protest in Fatehpur on Monday, expressing anger over a recent statement by party president Akhilesh Yadav.
The protest followed a meeting where members of the Muslim community gathered to share their concerns. After the meeting, workers burned an effigy of Akhilesh Yadav and raised slogans against him.
Village head Nadeem Uddin, who described himself as a long-time party worker and former district president, said the issue began with a minor dispute. “My son had gone to drink tea. There was a disagreement over payment, but he did not say anything against the party’s national president,” he said.
He added that the matter had already been reported to district-level party leaders. “We informed the district president and general secretary. They said they would take it up, but a one-sided statement was issued without hearing us,” he said.
Nadeem Uddin alleged that the party leadership acted on incomplete information. “He listened to his own people but ignored us. If he had called us to Lucknow and heard our side, it would have been better,” he said.
He also questioned the party’s social justice slogan. “In such a situation, what is the meaning of PDA if Muslims are not heard?” he asked.
During the meeting, several speakers defended former minister Ranvendra Pratap Singh, also known as Dhunni Singh, saying the allegations against him were baseless.
A local leader said, “If there had been any truth in the allegations, we would have filed an FIR from our side as well. The accusations are not correct.”
The protest ended with a warning of further action. Leaders said demonstrations could continue across the state if their concerns are not addressed.
“We may consider mass resignations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 workers if the leadership does not listen to us,” Akram said.
So far, there has been no official response from Akhilesh Yadav or the party leadership regarding the protest.
The incident highlights growing tensions within sections of the party’s support base and raises questions about internal communication and representation.
