UP 'DNA' Row: How Low Can Political Debate Sink in India's Most Populous State?

Lucknow – Has political discourse in Uttar Pradesh hit a new low? A fresh controversy over DNA remarks has ignited a bitter social media battle between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and BJP, raising serious questions about decency in public life.

On Friday night, the SP's media cell launched a sharp and objectionable attack against Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, heating up the state's political atmosphere once again. The controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) made derogatory remarks about Pathak's DNA, leading to a fierce war of words between BJP and SP workers. The episode not only shredded political decorum but also hurt social sentiments. As the controversy escalated, the SP deleted the offensive post.

SP's Objectionable Post

On the night of May 16, 2025, the SP's media cell posted an offensive message against Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak from its official X handle. The post was in response to Pathak's repeated comments on the DNA of SP leaders. It read:

"Mr. @brajeshpathakup, who keeps making statements about the SP's DNA, should get his own DNA checked and post the report on social media so his real DNA can be revealed. In reality, Brajesh Pathak’s DNA belongs to Sonagachi and GB Road. He himself doesn’t know what his real DNA is, where it comes from, or who it belongs to—that’s why, out of frustration, he questions everyone else’s DNA. The truth is, Pathak has switched so many parties and has so many DNA strands that he’s utterly confused. If Brajesh Pathak gets his DNA tested and makes the report public, we will run a campaign to match his DNA with the regular customers of Sonagachi and GB Road. Then, we will reveal his true DNA to him."

The post caused an uproar in political circles. The use of terms like "Sonagachi" and "GB Road"—notorious red-light areas—was not only offensive but also considered deeply personal and insulting. The post enraged BJP leaders and supporters.

In this matter, Achyut Pandey, a resident of Indiranagar, lodged a complaint at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow, demanding an FIR. Meanwhile, lawyers KD Singh, Sweety Pandey, and several other advocates submitted a complaint letter to the Hazratganj police inspector. Advocate Charu Mishra also filed a case at Wazirganj Police Station.

On May 17, Brajesh Pathak responded to the SP’s post via his X handle, directly addressing Akhilesh Yadav. He wrote:

"Akhilesh ji, is this your party's language? Is this your party’s official handle?!! Is this the choice of words for someone’s deceased parents? In a democracy, disagreements, allegations, and counter-allegations have always existed and will continue to do so—but will you stoop your party to this level? Will respected Dimple ji endorse this anti-woman and depraved mentality? Think about it!!!"

Pathak condemned the SP's language as "anti-woman" and "degenerate", stressing that such remarks violate democratic decorum and raise questions about the SP's morality.

As the controversy grew, the SP swiftly deleted the offensive post. However, screenshots had already gone viral, triggering outrage on both political and social fronts.

Akhilesh Yadav's Counter-Reply: Your attack on our DNA also hurts us religiously

At 11:41 PM on May 17, Akhilesh Yadav posted a lengthy message on his official X handle, clarifying his stance on the controversy. His full statement read:

"Taking note of the UP Deputy CM’s comments, we have advised our party members to exercise restraint, as they were deeply hurt by your ‘highly indecent remarks’ on the DNA of socialists. We have assured them such incidents won’t recur, but we also expect you to stop making such statements. The kind of remarks you continuously make may seem appropriate to you personally, but they are unbecoming of the dignity and grace of your position.

As a health minister, we expect you to understand that making crude remarks about someone’s personal ‘DNA’ is not just an attack on an individual but an allegation against their ancestral lineage and origins. As everyone knows, we are Yaduvanshis, descendants of Lord Krishna—hence, your attack on our DNA also hurts us religiously. We know your faith-driven personality would never intentionally disrespect Lord Krishna, but an ordinary, devout person who believes in any deity might misinterpret your remarks. Hence, we urge you not to forget ethics in politics or inadvertently hurt religious sentiments.

We hope you will apologize for your comments to the good person within you—who was not like this before. If you introspect your past behavior, thoughts, and personality, you will realize that your core beliefs were never so deviated, nor were your political ambitions so extreme that you would abandon ideals and lose verbal restraint. We hope this matter ends here and that you distance yourself from negative politics, realigning your conscience towards constructive governance. As public servants, we already have little time for people’s service—instead of engaging in trivial disputes, we must remain steadfast in positive politics and keep moving forward."

This is not the first DNA-related controversy. In December 2024, CM Yogi Adityanath linked incidents in Ayodhya and Sambhal to Bangladesh, making DNA-based remarks. In response, Akhilesh had challenged Yogi to get his own DNA tested. This old dispute adds context to the current episode, highlighting the deep political divide between the BJP and SP.

Experts View

Academicians and political analysts have expressed deep concern over the recent deterioration of political discourse in Uttar Pradesh, viewing it as a dangerous erosion of democratic norms. Scholars argue that when political competition devolves into personal attacks questioning caste, gender, and lineage—rather than substantive policy debates—it fundamentally undermines democracy’s foundational principles of reasoned deliberation and inclusive governance. Such rhetoric, they warn, not only legitimizes prejudice but also diverts attention from critical governance issues, reinforcing regressive social hierarchies instead of addressing development challenges.

Experts highlight the paradox of India’s democratic framework being weakened by the very leaders entrusted to uphold it, as public discourse increasingly mirrors feudal-era vendettas rather than progressive, issue-based politics. This trend, they caution, risks normalizing toxicity in political culture, where identity-based slurs replace accountability, and governance is reduced to a spectacle of insults—ultimately degrading the DNA of democracy itself.