The political rhetoric in the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections intensified after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath labeled Opposition leaders Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav as ‘Appu, Pappu, and Tappu’—likening them to a version of Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys who “lie and restore jungle raj.”
- BJP’s Allegation: Adityanath, speaking at a rally, accused the Opposition leaders of wanting to divide people on caste lines and bring back the ‘Mafia rule’ or “jungle raj” that he associated with the RJD’s past tenure in Bihar.
- Akhilesh Yadav’s Counter-Attack: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, campaigning ahead of the polls, fired back, stating that the BJP was using the three monkeys analogy to deflect from important issues. He then made a highly personal retort against Adityanath, saying that if the CM “were made to sit among a troop of monkeys, you or I won’t recognise him.”
- Bihar Polls Context: The verbal exchange took place while campaigning for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The incumbent NDA (JDU, BJP, LJP, HAM(S)) is facing the Mahagathbandhan (RJD, Congress, Left, VIP). The first phase of polling is scheduled for the next day, with results to be declared on November 14.
