On the occasion of Holi, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, targeted CM Yogi Adityanath by sharing a photo of him playing with colors and expressing his skepticism about Yogi's preference for sunglasses. He sarcastically remarked, 'Why has the black glasses become so liked among the people of UP?' This comment sparked a broader political conversation amidst the celebrations, where his party rallied for unity and support ahead of the upcoming 2027 assembly elections.

During the celebrations in Saifai, key members of the Samajwadi Party, including Shivpal Singh Yadav and Dimple Yadav, gathered with party workers to celebrate Holi with flowers and prepared for the future by emphasizing the importance of retaking leadership in the state. Shivpal called on party workers to support Akhilesh’s aim to return as chief minister. Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the BJP government during his speech, framing them as arrogant and stating the need for the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) to defeat them again. He referred to various global issues and domestic concerns, such as misuse of technology and farmers' rights, further emphasizing the government's failures.

The exchange between Akhilesh and Yogi on social media showcases the heightened political tension as the opposition gears up for the next election. Akhilesh's comments about Yogi's sunglasses reflect not only a critique of the CM's public image but also underscore the relevance of personal branding in politics, particularly in a country like India, where image significantly influences public perception and voter behavior. This critique could resonate with voters who feel disconnected from the current government’s approach and may impact the political landscape ahead of the crucial elections.