'Dhurandhar CM ya Akhilesh ka Lyari raj?’: Posters in Lucknow and Amethi spark fresh political heat in UP

Posters and hoardings referencing the Bollywood film Dhurandhar have appeared across parts of Lucknow and Amethi, targeting Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and triggering a political row months before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The visuals, spotted outside the Amethi railway station and at busy intersections, carry a provocative slogan: "Aap ko kya chahiye? Akhilesh ka Lyari raj."

Film reference turns political message

The posters draw a comparison using “Lyari,” a locality in Karachi known in the past for gang violence, as portrayed in Dhurandhar. By invoking this imagery, the campaign appears to suggest a law-and-order narrative linked to Yadav’s tenure.

The hoardings were reportedly installed by a group calling itself “Youth Against Mafia.” Alongside the slogan, they display visuals and references to alleged incidents of riots and violence during Yadav’s time as chief minister, contrasting them with the present government’s crackdown on crime under Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.


Names and photographs of the organisation’s office-bearers, including its executive president, general secretary, and Pratapgarh in-charge, are also printed prominently on the posters.

Posters spread across key locations

Similar hoardings by the same group have been reported from multiple locations in Lucknow as well, suggesting a coordinated effort. The timing, months ahead of the state elections, has added to the political significance of the campaign.

Samajwadi Party objects

The Samajwadi Party has strongly objected to the posters, calling them politically motivated. Party leaders have alleged that the move reflects an attempt to target Akhilesh Yadav ahead of elections.

Amethi district spokesperson advocate Rajesh Mishra said the posters showed the “frustration and desperation” of the ruling government. He claimed that such tactics were being used because the ruling party feared losing power, adding that people were aware of these “attempts to mislead.”

Local authorities have taken note of the situation. Amethi police station in-charge Ravi Singh confirmed that police had received information about the posters and a team had been sent to the spot.

(Inputs from PTI)