Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has once again stirred political controversy by reviving the 'Toti Chor' barb against Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. The remark, which translates to 'parrot thief,' was made during a public event where the CM also called for stringent measures to protect public property.
Yogi's Attack on Akhilesh Yadav
Speaking at a rally, CM Yogi Adityanath accused Akhilesh Yadav and the SP of being responsible for the destruction of public assets during their tenure. He stated that the previous SP government had a notorious record of vandalism and misuse of public funds. 'They are nothing but 'Toti Chor' who have looted the state and damaged public property,' the CM said, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Call for Protecting Public Property
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for strict laws to prevent vandalism of government property. He announced that the state government would introduce a new policy to ensure that anyone damaging public property would face severe penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment. 'Public property is the wealth of the people, and we will not tolerate any harm to it,' Yogi added.
Political Reactions
The remark has reignited a war of words between the BJP and SP. Akhilesh Yadav responded by calling Yogi's comments a sign of desperation ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. 'Instead of focusing on development, they resort to name-calling. This shows their frustration,' the SP chief said in a press conference. Other opposition leaders also condemned the remark, accusing Yogi of using divisive language to divert attention from pressing issues like unemployment and law and order.
Background of the 'Toti Chor' Remark
The 'Toti Chor' barb is not new in Uttar Pradesh politics. Yogi Adityanath had first used the term in 2019, accusing Akhilesh Yadav of being involved in a parrot theft case. The remark had then sparked a massive political row, with SP workers protesting across the state. The revival of the term indicates the escalating political tensions in the state as elections draw closer.
Government's Stance on Public Property
The UP government has been consistently working on protecting public assets. In recent years, it has established a special task force to monitor and prevent damage to government buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. The CM reiterated that his government has zero tolerance for vandalism and that strict action would be taken against offenders, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh is heating up as both the BJP and SP gear up for the 2026 assembly elections. With Yogi Adityanath's aggressive rhetoric and Akhilesh Yadav's counterattacks, the state is witnessing a intense political battle that is likely to intensify in the coming months.
