The political war of words between Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav escalated dramatically in poll-bound Bihar on Monday, as both leaders exchanged sharp barbs that added new dimensions to the state’s already charged electoral atmosphere. What began as a jibe by Yogi Adityanath describing opposition leaders as “three monkeys of the INDI Alliance” soon turned into a counterattack by Akhilesh Yadav, who labelled BJP leaders as “Gappu” and “Chappu.” The verbal duel, playing out across campaign rallies, reflects the fierce contest for political dominance in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
Akhilesh Yadav Hits Back at Yogi’s ‘Three Monkeys’ Remark
Speaking at a Mahagathbandhan rally in Siwan, Akhilesh Yadav took direct aim at Yogi Adityanath and the BJP leadership, calling their campaign strategy a mix of fear and deception. Responding to the Chief Minister’s “Pappu, Tappu, and Akku” taunt—referring to Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and himself respectively—Akhilesh said the BJP’s rhetoric was nothing more than nervous theatrics from a party sensing its waning influence in Bihar.
“The NDA wants to mortgage Bihar,” Yadav said to a cheering crowd. “They are nervous because of Tejashwi’s promises of jobs and women’s welfare. This time, the people of Bihar will choose harmony over hatred. The BJP’s campaign is a matter of ‘Gappu’ and ‘Chappu.’”
Expanding his criticism, Yadav ridiculed the BJP’s long-standing promises that, according to him, have failed to materialize. “They said they would deposit Rs 15 lakh in every account, give jobs to crores, and even sell land on the moon. Now they’re scared because the ground reality exposes their failures,” he said. “The BJP has one big ‘Gappu’ and their companion ‘Chappu.’ We must save Bihar from them.”
Akhilesh Yadav’s use of humor and sarcasm struck a chord with the audience, who responded with chants of “BJP hatao, desh bachao.” His remarks not only mocked the BJP’s campaign narrative but also attempted to recast the Mahagathbandhan’s message as one rooted in employment, unity, and social justice.
The SP leader, who has been actively campaigning in Bihar alongside RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress candidates, emphasized that the election is not merely a battle for power but a referendum on the future of Bihar. “The BJP has tried to divide people, sell false dreams, and manipulate emotions. This election is about reclaiming the dignity of Bihar,” Yadav declared.
Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Three Monkeys’ Jibe and BJP’s Counterattack
Earlier in the day, addressing a massive election rally in Darbhanga’s Keoti assembly segment, Yogi Adityanath took a swipe at the opposition’s key faces—Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav—labeling them the “three monkeys of the INDI Alliance.” His remark, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s famous symbol of the three monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, was repurposed to mock what he described as the opposition’s ignorance of the NDA government’s achievements.
“Mahatma Gandhi’s monkeys refused to see, hear, or speak evil. But these new monkeys—Pappu, Tappu, and Akku—refuse to see the good work of the NDA,” Yogi told the crowd. “One doesn’t see the development happening, another refuses to hear about it, and the third doesn’t speak about it. They are blind to the truth because their politics thrives on lies.”
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, known for his fiery oratory, accused the opposition of harboring criminals and compromising the security of Bihar by “embracing infiltrators.” He said the Congress, RJD, and SP are driven by opportunism rather than public welfare. “These are the people who divide society in the name of caste and create unrest. They protect criminals and insult those who work for the nation,” he said.
Adityanath invoked the spirit of unity, urging voters to reject divisive politics. “Let us resolve that we shall neither be divided nor fight each other—‘na batenge, na katenge,’” he told the gathering, receiving thunderous applause. His speech also focused on the NDA government’s initiatives, highlighting welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, and efforts to ensure law and order.
Political Rhetoric Deepens Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections
The exchange between Akhilesh Yadav and Yogi Adityanath reflects the heightened political temperature in Bihar as the state gears up for its assembly elections on November 6 and 11. With results set to be announced on November 14, both the Mahagathbandhan and the NDA are leaving no stone unturned to sway public sentiment.
While the BJP is relying on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and its record on development and welfare schemes, the opposition alliance, comprising the RJD, SP, and Congress, is focusing on unemployment, inflation, and alleged neglect of the youth and marginalized communities. Tejashwi Yadav’s consistent emphasis on employment and women’s empowerment has resonated with sections of the electorate, and Akhilesh Yadav’s active participation is seen as an attempt to expand the opposition’s appeal beyond traditional vote bases.
Political analysts believe that the rhetorical sparring between leaders like Yogi and Akhilesh is not merely about personal attacks but a strategic move to energize their respective voter bases. “The use of humor and taunts in Indian politics is often a way to connect emotionally with voters,” said political commentator Rakesh Sinha. “Yogi Adityanath’s ‘three monkeys’ remark was meant to ridicule the opposition’s silence on governance, while Akhilesh’s ‘Gappu and Chappu’ counterattack was designed to expose what he perceives as BJP’s overconfidence and false promises.”
In the larger context, Bihar’s political battleground has become a testing ground for the national opposition alliance’s ability to present a united front against the BJP-led NDA. The SP’s active involvement underlines efforts to strengthen the INDI bloc’s narrative of unity and inclusivity.
As campaign rallies grow louder and slogans sharper, both camps are trying to shape the election narrative to their advantage. The BJP has framed its message around stability, governance, and continuity, while the opposition seeks to portray itself as the voice of the people betrayed by unfulfilled promises.
Akhilesh Yadav’s “Gappu-Chappu” remark has already sparked widespread reactions on social media, with hashtags like #GappuChappuPolitics and #ThreeMonkeysDebate trending across platforms. The witty exchange underscores how linguistic creativity and symbolic humor continue to dominate India’s election campaigns, transforming rallies into spectacles of political theatre.
With Bihar’s 243 assembly seats at stake, every speech, slogan, and barb could influence public perception in a closely fought contest. Whether Yogi Adityanath’s disciplined rhetoric or Akhilesh Yadav’s biting humor gains greater traction among voters will be evident when the ballots are counted on November 14. Until then, the exchange of “monkeys” and “Gappus” is likely to remain the defining feature of Bihar’s election trail, embodying both the drama and depth of India’s vibrant democracy.
