Political Tensions Rise in Uttar Pradesh Over Defamation Notice

Defamation Notice Issued to BJP MLA

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has issued a defamation notice to BJP MLA Ketki Singh from the Bansdih assembly constituency in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. Singh had alleged that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had stolen taps from the Chief Minister's residence during his tenure. This accusation, made during a press conference aired on a YouTube channel, has sparked a political controversy between the two parties.

Allegations of Malicious Defamation

On September 5, a notice sent by Krishna Kanhaiya Pal, the national president of the Samajwadi Advocates' Association, claimed that Singh's allegations were "false," "misleading," and "defamatory." The notice accused her of deliberately holding a press conference with the intent to tarnish the image of Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and current national president of the SP. Pal demanded a formal apology from the MLA, to be published in major national newspapers and aired on the same YouTube channel within 15 days, warning of civil and criminal defamation lawsuits if she failed to comply.

Protests Erupt Outside MLA's Residence

Following the defamation claims, a group of female SP workers staged a protest outside Ketki Singh's residence in Lucknow. This demonstration, reportedly in response to her comments, featured loud protests and a symbolic attempt to present her with taps as a "gift." Singh, who was in Ballia at the time, accused the protesters of vandalizing her home and intimidating her minor daughter, who had stopped attending school due to the turmoil. She vowed to file a police complaint regarding the incident.

Call for Accountability on Various Issues

Neha Yadav, a leader of the SP women's wing, stated that the protest was not only a response to the 'tap theft' allegations but also a demand for accountability on issues such as law and order, employment, women's safety, and farmers' income.

समाजवादी पार्टी ने भाजपा विधायक केतकी सिंह को आमर्यादित टिप्पणी झूठा और छवि धूमिल करने वाले बयान के लिये कानूनी नोटिस भेजा @yadavakhilesh pic.twitter.com/wSjWFPjSXp

— Fakhrul Hasan Chaand (@chaandsamajwadi) September 5, 2025

Escalating Political Rivalry

This incident has intensified the long-standing political rivalry between the BJP and SP in Uttar Pradesh. Known for her outspoken remarks, Ketki Singh has provoked outrage with her statements against the SP chief, leading to sharp exchanges and counter-protests. This conflict highlights the sensitive nature of political discourse in the region, where accusations often escalate to public demonstrations and legal notices.

Allegations of Harassment Against MLA's Daughter

Ketki Singh has accused members of the SP women's wing of harassing her minor daughter during the protest outside her residence in Lucknow. She claims her daughter is now traumatized and unwilling to continue her studies in the state capital. Singh, the BJP MLA from Bansdih in Ballia district, stated that she was not home when the alleged incident occurred and plans to file a police complaint soon. The protest by SP women workers was linked to Singh's earlier comments targeting Akhilesh Yadav regarding Ayodhya and the Ram Temple.

Condemnation of Alleged Intimidation

In a conversation with the media, Singh condemned the alleged intimidation of her 15-year-old daughter, stating, "I can never forgive this cowardice. I am an MLA, but they targeted my daughter, who was preparing to go to school..." She alleged that the protesters blocked the entrance to her home and mistreated her, preventing her daughter from attending school.