Daijiworld Media Network - Azamgarh
Azamgarh, Jun 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday strongly condemned the social media trolling of the daughter of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, stating that daughters should never become targets of malicious public discourse irrespective of political differences.
Addressing a gathering during the launch of development projects worth over Rs 955 crore in Azamgarh, Yogi said objectionable and distasteful remarks against women and girls were unacceptable and unforgivable.
The Chief Minister revealed that he had directed police to take immediate action after learning about offensive comments circulating on social media.
"I recently saw some people making comments on social media against Akhilesh Yadav ji's daughter. As soon as it came to my notice, I instructed the police to register an FIR," Yogi said.
Emphasising traditional social values, he added that daughters deserve respect irrespective of their background or political affiliation.
"A daughter is a daughter. We have grown up with the values that a daughter in a village is everyone's daughter and a sister is everyone's sister. We have never made any distinction," he said.
His remarks came after an FIR was registered against three individuals for allegedly circulating fake, defamatory and malicious content targeting the former chief minister's daughter on social media.
The case was lodged at the cyber cell of the Kanpur Police Commissionerate following a complaint by Samajwadi Party leaders, who alleged that manipulated photographs and false claims were being shared online with malicious intent.
According to the complaint, certain social media users had posted a photograph of Akhilesh Yadav's daughter on X and accompanied it with derogatory and misleading comments. The complainant alleged that the image had been morphed and the claims were entirely fabricated.
While defending the swift police action, Yogi also advised Akhilesh Yadav to ensure that his party workers and supporters maintain decorum in public discourse.
Addressing the SP chief, Yogi said political leaders should also ensure that their followers refrain from using abusive language against women, senior citizens and political opponents.
"Akhilesh ji, you give advice to others, but you must also ensure that your followers and workers keep their language restrained," the Chief Minister said.
In a veiled criticism of the opposition party, he added that if party workers failed to understand such responsibilities, the government would ensure that appropriate action was taken.
The episode has triggered political debate in Uttar Pradesh, with leaders across party lines condemning online abuse and calling for greater accountability on social media platforms.