"When out of power, Samajwadi Party remembering historical figures": OP Rajbhar on Akhilesh Yadav's remarks

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 3 (ANI): After Akhilesh Yadav promised to install a grand statue of Maharaja Suheldev if voted to power in next Assembly polls, Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Saturday accused the Samajwadi Party of selective remembrance of historical figures, saying the party only invokes legendary personalities when out of power.
Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar questioned Yadav's commitment to the legacy of icons like Maharaja Suheldev, alleging that SP's governance has consistently favoured its own community while ignoring demands such as reservation for the Rajbhar community.
"Samajwadi Party stayed in power for four times and they did not remember the legendary personalities then. When they come out of power, they start reminiscing about them. When I was with them in power, they remembered Maharaja Suheldev, show one video of Akhilesh Yadav garlanding his statue. They only work for the welfare of their own community when in power. They don't give any reservation for the Rajbhar community," OP Rajbhar said.
On Friday, in a separate announcement, Akhilesh Yadav promised to install a grand statue of Maharaja Suheldev at the Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow if the Samajwadi Party forms the government in Uttar Pradesh.
"After the formation of the Samajwadi Party government, we will install a big statue of Maharaja Suheldev at the Gomti River front. His weapon will be made of Ashtadhatu," he said.
Maharaja Suheldev ruled Shravasti and famously defeated Ghazi Sayyid Salar Masud, the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni, in 1034 at the Battle of Bahraich.
Yadav further expressed hope for the "complete support of the Maharaja Suheldev community" in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
"We hope that the complete support of the Maharaja Suheldev community in the 2027 UP Assembly elections," Yadav said in a press conference.
The Samajwadi Party Chief also reiterated his party's commitment to conducting a caste census if voted to power, asserting that it was crucial for ensuring social justice and securing rights for marginalised communities. (ANI)