BJP targets Akhilesh Yadav over mosque meeting, questions wife Dimple's outfit

India Today

23-07-2025

A political storm has erupted over Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's recent visit to a mosque near Parliament, with BJP leaders accusing the party of holding a political meeting inside a religious space and alleging that SP MP Dimple Yadav was "inappropriately dressed" during the visit. The controversy escalated after photographs of the visit surfaced, showing SP leaders, including Dimple Yadav, seated inside the mosque.advertisementBJP Minority Morcha president Jamal Siddiqui led the charge, claiming that Akhilesh Yadav had turned a place of worship into "an unofficial SP officeHe said, "Akhilesh Yadav went to the mosque yesterday. That mosque is located in front of the Parliament building. SP MP Nadvi is the imam there. We condemn him as well - why was a political meeting held inside a mosque?"
Siddiqui went on to make sharp personal allegations against Dimple Yadav. "In the photo, Dimple Yadav is seen sitting in a blouse - her back and stomach are visible. Dimple Yadav did not have a dupatta on her head," he said."This goes against the code of conduct inside a mosque and hurts Islamic sentiments worldwide." He added, "We will file an FIR against them. If this is the way, we will also hold a meeting in the same mosque on July 25, starting with the National Song and ending with the National Anthem."The BJP leader accused the SP of turning the mosque into a venue for "fun and frolic", and went so far as to allege that "anti-national activities" were discussed during the visit.Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also weighed in, accusing the SP of violating constitutional norms. "Samajwadi Party always violates the Constitution. The Indian Constitution says that we cannot use religious places for political purposes. They do not have faith in the Constitution," he said. The Samajwadi Party strongly denied the BJP's allegations, with both Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav rejecting claims of a political meeting and dismissing the controversy as an attempt to distract from pressing national issues."There is nothing like that," Dimple Yadav said, responding to the viral pictures. "Imam Nadvi ji, who is our MP, had invited us, so we went. BJP is spreading misinformation. We didn't go there for any meeting. The BJP is saying all this to divert attention from the real issues. The government doesn't want to talk about matters concerning the people." Stepping up her attack, the Mainpuri MP slammed the BJP for evading questions on key issues like the SIR in Bihar, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindoor, calling them "very important matters."advertisementAkhilesh Yadav also hit back, accusing the BJP of weaponising religion for political gain. While speaking to reporters about the incident, he said, "I thank you, but you too have fallen into BJP's trap.""These are religious people standing beside me I only know one thing: faith connects people, regardless of the religion. Any faith that brings people together, we stand with it. That's exactly what troubles the BJP - they don't want unity, they want distance to remain."Other SP leaders also condemned the BJP's remarks, with SP MP Zia ur Rehman Barq calling the row baseless. "There were no political meetings held. Don't we have space in the Parliament or in the residences of MPs to hold meetings? Why would he have a meeting in a mosque?" he said.On the criticism of Dimple Yadav, he added, "Dimple ji had covered her head - it's possible her dupatta slipped when the photo was taken." SP leader Rajeev Rai, in a rather sarcastic tone, asked if the party leaders needed to obtain a licence to visit temples and mosques.Congress MP Imran Masood echoed similar views, calling BJP's comments "shameful". He said, "The mosque's imam is also a Member of Parliament. What's the issue if he sat in the mosque? BJP should be ashamed. Dimple Yadav was dressed according to Indian culture. BJP leaders have become mentally bankrupt. They are insulting women."- EndsMust Watch