Donkeys have never assumed such an importance in any polls in Uttar Pradesh. However, this times, in the political tug of war between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘donkey’ has assumed considerable significance.
It all started when Akhilesh made an apparent attack on Modi on Monday while referring to an advertisement of Gujarat government in which actor Amitabh Bachchan promotes tourism in the state. “I will ask the biggest superstar of this century (Bachchan) not to promote the donkeys of Gujarat,” the SP leader had reportedly said.
On Monday, while addressing a rally at Behriach, Modi devoted a considerable portion of his speech to respond to Akhilesh's jibe. The prime minister said that the donkeys are loyal to his master and do very hard work."
He mocked Akhilesh and said, “Akhilesh ji is scared of even donkeys. If you see with an open mind, donkeys give a lot of inspiration. I work without taking any leave, and take inspiration from donkeys.” He further added: "Donkeys don't differentiate whether it is carrying "chini (sugar) or chuna (lime)".
Further attacking Akhilesh, the prime minister said, "Akhilesh ji hates donkeys of Gujarat, but was is the same Gujarat which gave birth to Gandhi and Patel. It was in Gujarat Lord Krishna settled down."
He reminded Akhilesh that those with whom he joined hands had released a stamp on donkey. The Congress-led UPA government had issued a postal stamp on Gujarat donkeys in 2013.
Earlier, Akhilesh's comment had sparked off a controversy with Prajapati and the washermen communities of Aligarh expressing their anger.
