Shailenda Vikram / The Public World
New Delhi/Lucknow: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has issued an open letter addressed to artists and creators, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exploited a financially distressed artist for political purposes. The letter, shared on social media platform X, was accompanied by photographs of an artist dressed as Lord Hanuman during a recent political event.
In his post, Yadav alleged that during the visit of the BJP’s national president to Lucknow, an artist dressed as Lord Hanuman was made to dance in front of the leader’s procession. He described the incident as disrespectful and claimed it had hurt the sentiments of devotees of Lord Hanuman across the country.
The Samajwadi Party chief, however, said the artist should not be blamed for the incident, arguing that many artists are forced to accept such work due to financial hardships. He alleged that the current government has failed to provide adequate opportunities and support for artists, leaving many struggling to earn a livelihood.
Akhilesh Yadav further accused the BJP of being unsupportive of creative expression. He claimed that artists, writers and independent journalists often face neglect because creativity and free expression challenge rigid thinking and encourage independent ideas. According to him, whenever artists are given a platform by the BJP, it is primarily for political gain rather than to recognise their talent.
He also announced that members of the Samajwadi Party had come together to provide financial assistance to the artist featured in the photographs and pledged continued support to help the artist’s family cope with illness and economic difficulties.
प्रिय कलाकारों-रचनाकारों
भारतीय जनता पार्टी ने जिस प्रकार एक मजबूर और बेबस कलाकार की प्रतिभा का दुरुपयोग अपना राजनीतिक स्वार्थ साधने के लिए किया वो बेहद निंदनीय है। सबको मालूम है कि कुछ दिनों पहले, भाजपा के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष के लखनऊ आगमन पर, उनके रथ के आगे एक कलाकार को हनुमान… pic.twitter.com/TYKEXv8zju
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 2, 2026
Emphasising the importance of art in society, Yadav said artistic expression promotes tolerance, harmony, equality and social unity. He argued that those who engage in divisive politics often fail to appreciate the role of artists in strengthening society.
Looking ahead, the Samajwadi Party leader promised that if his party returns to power in Uttar Pradesh, it would revive and expand welfare measures for artists. He said the government would restore the Yash Bharti Award to honour outstanding contributors to art and culture and provide recipients with a lifetime monthly honorarium of ₹1 lakh as recognition for their contributions.
Concluding his message, Akhilesh Yadav said creativity deserves respect and encouragement, asserting that a positive society is one that values and nurtures artistic talent.