The statements made by Azam Khan are being condemned by politicians and social activists. The derogatory comments by the senior Samajwadi leader brought out people’s anger and disgust against the party and the politicians who supported his comments. Among those who backed Azam Khan on his ‘underwear’ remark directed at BJP politician Jaya Prada is the party president and ex-UP CM Akhilesh Yadav.
However, members of the same family, like Aparna Yadav, who is the daughter-in-law of Mulyam Singh and sister-in-law of SP leader Akhilesh, has come out in protest against the shameless remark of Azam Khan. While Akhilesh tried to downplay the controversy, Aparna came out strongly opposing Azam Khan. She is an MLA from the Lucknow Cantt constituency.
Speaking to TOI Aparna said “Azam Khan is a senior and seasoned politician and I respect him a lot. But whatever he said was uncalled for and disrespectful to anyone, be it a political rival or competitor in elections.” Aprana Yadav’s stand against the disrespectful and disgusting comment of Azam Khan shows her strong character and virtues. She is probably the only person in the Samajwadi party to put morals on priority, above politics.
While Aparna came out in support of Jaya Parda, Akhilesh’s wife Dimple Yadav chose to be silent on this issue. Dimple Yadav, who is an MP from Kannauj, did not have anything to say about the comments made by Azam Khan. She, on one hand, has flagged a campaign to reach the UP women and understand their problems, but on the other, she’s not willing to take any action against Azam Khan. Dimple Yadav, in the past, has been subjected to harassment by her own party members and still chose to speak nothing against the insults on Jaya Prada. The campaign named ‘Samajwadi Women’ aims to reach out to the women in UP.
It is ironic, as the SP leader’s wife took an initiative to know the struggles of UP women, she cannot take a firm stand on Azam Khan’s derogatory remarks. It seems that the women centric campaign by the Kannauj MP is nothing more than an election gimmick. If Dimple Yadav is so concerned about women and their struggles, why is the politician silent on the shameless act of her own party member? The Samajwadi Party has once again proved that it can stoop as low as possible to get votes. The party has crossed all limits and strong voices like Dimple Yadav have chosen to refrain from opining against an unacceptable comment by a senior leader of her party.
There is a unique family politics that goes on in the Yadav clan. The members do not align with each other’s views. While Akhilesh, on multiple occasions questioned his father’s decision, the two ladies of the house have different stands on such issues. The stark difference on how the family members carry forward their moral values in their political career is clear through these instances.
