A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after a video surfaced showing Samajwadi Party leader Iqbal Engineer using offensive language and raising objectionable slogans while marching towards the national capital. Iqbal Engineer, a former block pramukh from Bhagatpur Tanda and a prospective SP candidate from the Thakurdwara assembly constituency, was leading party supporters to participate in the joint opposition rally organised at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan when the incident took place.
MLA Kamal Akhtar Stepped In While Crowds Laughed
In the recorded footage that quickly spread across public platforms, Iqbal Engineer can be seen and heard raising unparliamentary slogans during the march. Walking right alongside him was Kamal Akhtar, the Samajwadi Party legislator representing the Kanth constituency. Seeing the provocative conduct, MLA Kamal Akhtar promptly raised his hand to stop him and explicitly asked him to refrain from uttering such improper remarks. Despite the lawmaker's direct reprimand, several individuals walking in the convoy appeared amused and laughed along, triggering widespread criticism as the clip gained traction.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Systematic Voter Deletion at Ramlila Rally
The incident occurred on Sunday against the backdrop of a major show of strength organised by the opposition bloc at Ramlila Maidan under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Addressing the gathered crowd, Rahul Gandhi levelled serious allegations against Gyanesh Kumar. Pointing to past electoral margins, he noted that the vote difference between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition alliance in the 2024 general elections stood at just 3 percent. He further claimed that deliberate efforts to strike names off voter rolls have accelerated significantly following the 2024 contest.
Akhilesh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee Target Electoral Integrity
Top coalition leaders assembled at the venue to present a united front ahead of upcoming political battles. Addressing the rally, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of actively striking off the votes of Hindus across Uttar Pradesh. Looking ahead, Akhilesh Yadav asserted that the 2027 state elections would mark a decisive exit for the ruling party, preventing any comeback in the 2029 national polls. He alleged that the ruling party leads in electoral manipulation and is undermining the constitution and democratic norms. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also directed sharp criticism at Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Bengal elections, alleging wrongful conduct by the BJP and vowing political retribution.
