Lucknow, May 15 – A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav, who is also the uncle of party chief Akhilesh Yadav, made a remark involving Bhojpuri actress Vyomika Singh during a public appearance. The comment, which quickly went viral on social media, has drawn criticism from several quarters, prompting a swift response from the Samajwadi Party.
What Was Said?
During a political rally in Etawah, Ram Gopal Yadav was addressing supporters when he mentioned Vyomika Singh in a comment that many interpreted as inappropriate and dismissive. Though he did not directly target the actress, his words were perceived as undermining the dignity of women in public discourse.
Clips of his speech began circulating online, drawing sharp reactions from users who accused the veteran leader of sexism and insensitivity. Hashtags related to Vyomika Singh and Ram Gopal Yadav began trending, pushing the incident into national spotlight.
SP’s Clarification
The Samajwadi Party, aware of the potential damage such a controversy could cause during a politically sensitive period, was quick to issue a statement. In an official release, the party said:
“Ram Gopal Yadav’s remarks have been misinterpreted and taken out of context. The Samajwadi Party stands firmly for the dignity of all individuals, especially women. If any sentiment has been hurt unintentionally, we express regret.”
However, the statement has done little to calm critics. Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, have used the opportunity to question SP’s commitment to gender respect and inclusivity.
Vyomika Singh’s Response
Vyomika Singh herself took to her Instagram to post a cryptic message that read, “Respect isn’t optional. It’s a reflection of one’s character.” While she did not name anyone directly, her post was widely seen as a response to Yadav’s statement.
Supporters from the film industry and her fanbase rallied behind her, praising her grace and composure amid the uproar.
Political Fallout
This incident could not have come at a more sensitive time for the SP, which is trying to position itself as a progressive and youth-friendly party ahead of the next state elections. Ram Gopal Yadav, a seasoned political strategist, has largely avoided controversies in the past, making this moment all the more surprising.
Political analysts believe the party’s quick response indicates internal concern over potential electoral fallout. “Even small remarks can snowball into major setbacks during campaigns. SP cannot afford to alienate women voters,” said Lucknow-based political commentator Anurag Tiwari.
Final Word
While it remains to be seen whether this controversy will have long-term repercussions, it has once again highlighted how public figures must exercise caution in their statements, especially in today’s social media age where every word is recorded, replayed, and judged in real-time.
For now, the SP hopes the issue will settle with its clarification. But in the world of politics, words—once spoken—rarely fade quietly.
