In a fiery reaction to a recent statement made by Akhilesh Yadav during a press conference in Etawah, senior speaker Brijesh Kumar Mishra didn’t hold back. The controversy centers around Akhilesh Yadav’s appeal to the PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) community, urging them not to offer donations or “daan-dakshina” to what he termed “dominant castes.” This seemingly indirect reference to the Brahmin community sparked strong emotional backlash, especially from those who consider religious rituals and priestly offerings a matter of cultural respect and spiritual duty—not dominance.
Brijesh Mishra questioned Akhilesh Yadav’s authority to even make such statements. “Who gave him the right to talk about giving or not giving donations to Brahmins? That’s not a favor—it’s their rightful due,” he asserted.
आज लखनऊ में ‘इटावा कथावाचन पीडीए अपमान कांड’ के पीड़ितों का सम्मान किया गया और उनकी आर्थिक हानि के लिए सहायता राशि दी गयी व जिस दृष्टिहीन कलाकार की ढोलक छीनी गयी, उसे नई ढोल भी दी गयी।
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) June 24, 2025
– भागवत कथा तो सबके लिए है, जब सब सुन सकते हैं तो सब बोल क्यों नहीं सकते?
– भागवत तो भगवान… pic.twitter.com/2py84caLTa
💥 3 Key Points That Sparked the Debate
- Religious Offerings Are Not Charity: Mishra stressed that when Brahmins are called to perform religious rituals, the compensation or offerings made are not acts of generosity but part of their profession and religious duty.
- Hypocrisy Allegation: He questioned whether Akhilesh Yadav had the courage to have his father, the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, cremated by a backward or Dalit priest. “Did a Pandit not perform those last rites?” he asked sharply.
- Identity Crisis or Political Strategy?: Brijesh Mishra accused Akhilesh of hypocrisy and vote bank politics. He said, “You ask others to avoid giving dakshina to Brahmins, yet you continue to invite them into your own homes for rituals.”
🧠 “If You Respect Your Ancestors, Respect the Priests Too” – A Cultural Perspective
Brijesh Mishra’s argument wasn’t just a political counterblast—it was a cultural and emotional appeal. He reminded Yadav and others of the deep roots that connect Indian families with their traditions. “If you truly take pride in your heritage, you won’t insult the priests who help preserve it,” he declared.
He also cautioned against inciting disrespect toward any particular community for short-term political gain. According to Mishra, statements like Akhilesh Yadav’s only deepen societal divisions and insult centuries-old cultural practices.
जिन्हें ब्राह्मणों ने पीटा, उन्हीं कथावाचकों से Akhilesh Yadav ने करवाई कथा!#EtawahNews #AkhileshYadav #BhagwatKatha #CasteViolence #UPPolitics #PDA #DalitRights #SocialJustice #UPBreaking pic.twitter.com/r05i1h2ULW
— NewsNasha (@newsnasha) June 24, 2025
😡 5 Times Politicians Hurt Sentiments for Votes – Is This #6?
The video has stirred widespread emotion across social media, especially among the Brahmin community. Many feel this is just another example of political figures undermining traditions for vote bank politics. Brijesh Mishra’s response struck a chord with those who feel Brahmins are increasingly being marginalized in political narratives.
📌 Final Thoughts
This incident is not just about one statement—it’s about the broader debate between tradition, caste identity, and politics in India. Brijesh Mishra’s sharp words reflect a growing frustration among certain sections of society who feel targeted or misrepresented for the sake of political optics.
As India continues to evolve, so must its political discourse. But the question remains: Where do we draw the line between political opinion and cultural disrespect?
🔎 FAQs
Q1. What did Akhilesh Yadav say about Brahmins?
Akhilesh Yadav advised PDA society to avoid giving “daan-dakshina” to dominant castes, which many interpreted as a reference to Brahmins.
Q2. Who responded to Akhilesh’s statement?
Brijesh Kumar Mishra responded strongly, calling out Akhilesh’s comments as disrespectful and hypocritical.
Q3. Why did Mishra question Mulayam Singh’s last rites?
Mishra asked whether the former CM’s last rites were performed by a backward caste priest or a Brahmin, to point out the hypocrisy.
Q4. What is daan-dakshina in Hindu rituals?
It is a traditional offering made to Brahmins for performing religious rituals—considered a duty, not a favor.
Q5. Is this incident affecting Akhilesh Yadav’s public image?
Yes, it has sparked backlash among cultural and religious communities, potentially damaging his credibility in some circles.