NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday sparked a political storm by comparing the BJP’s focus on cowsheds to his party’s emphasis on perfume parks. Yadav stated that the BJP prefers “foul smell” as it builds cowsheds, whereas the SP favours “fragrance” and has developed perfume parks. His statement has drawn sharp reactions from BJP, which accused him of insulting Hindu beliefs.
Yadav, speaking to reporters in Kannauj said, “BJP likes foul smell, that’s why they are making cowsheds, while Samajwadi Party prefers fragrance, so we built a perfume park. This government is even consuming funds allocated for catching stray cattle. As fragrance-loving people, we establish perfume parks, while they prefer foul smells.”
He further criticised the ruling party, stating, “We Samajwadis want development and prosperity. This is BJP’s foul-smelling hatred. The people of Kannauj, who are known for their fragrance, should remove this foul smell. Those who prefer foul smells are making cowsheds.”
Reacting to Yadav’s remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused him of demeaning Hindu beliefs. “After the insult to Rana Sangha, now SP and Akhilesh Yadav insult Hindu Astha and say: ‘Cows and cowsheds spread foul smell. That’s why we make perfume parks.’ Shri Krishna himself is called ‘Gopal’—one who had divine love for cows and their protection and care. Shameful how low one can go for vote bank appeasement,” he said.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over stray cattle and the effectiveness of BJP’s cow protection policies in Uttar Pradesh. While BJP claims its initiatives are aimed at safeguarding cattle and maintaining religious traditions, opposition parties, including SP, have accused the government of mismanagement and neglecting development.
Yadav also took a dig at the BJP government’s eight-year rule in Uttar Pradesh, saying, “These eight years have cut off Kannauj from development. When their (BJP’s) eight years were completed, the Uttar Pradesh Police itself had to file an FIR against one of its own IAS officers. This is the first government whose MLAs are openly saying that we want change. This government does not want to answer any questions from the media.”
