‘We know how to remove leather and also make shoes and beat them…’, whom did Chandrashekhar Azad threaten?

Nagina MP and Azad Samaj Party President Chandrashekhar Azad is in the headlines in the politics of Uttar Pradesh these days. He is continuously visiting different districts to prepare for the assembly elections and is busy strengthening the organization. Meanwhile, the dispute with Karni Sena has heated up the political atmosphere, where Chandrashekhar demonstrated his strength by making strong and symbolic statements.

In response to a threat from a Karni Sena leader to ban his entry into Barabanki, Chandrashekhar Azad said in a threatening tone in both Lucknow and Barabanki, ‘We know how to strip leather, make shoes out of it and when the time comes, we also know how to hit him on the head.’ This statement is now becoming increasingly viral in social media and political circles.

To whom did Karni Sena give an open challenge?

The controversy started when Karni Sena’s State General Secretary Abhinav Singh released a video on social media and directly challenged Chandrashekhar Azad. He announced that Chandrashekhar would not be allowed to set foot on the land of Barabanki. Abhinav Singh had said that if the MPs come to Barabanki, Karni Sena workers will take to the streets and strongly oppose them. After this statement, political tension increased in Barabanki and surrounding areas.

First response to journalists in Lucknow

While talking to journalists as soon as he reached Lucknow, Chandrashekhar Azad hit back at the threat of Karni Sena. He said, we are gentlemen who believe in the Constitution, but it does not mean that we are weak. We also know how to strip leather and make shoes out of it. When the time comes, we also know how to hit the head with the same shoe. He further said that he holds a constitutional post, hence respects the law, but is not afraid of anyone’s father.

Statement repeated in Barabanki meeting

Chandrashekhar repeated the same things from the stage in a huge meeting organized by Bhim Army in Barabanki. Without naming anyone, he said that some people are openly committing hooliganism. They say they will break their legs if they don’t let them enter. An attempt was also made to throw stones at my convoy on the way. Pointing towards his feet he said, "I have come wearing leather slippers. Both the flag and the stick of Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party are strong. I want to tell you that we know how to strip leather, know how to make shoes out of it and when the time comes, we also know how to hit you on the head."

The program took place amidst heavy security

After the threat of Karni Sena, the police administration remained fully alert for Chandrashekhar Azad’s program in Barabanki. Heavy security forces were deployed and the situation was closely monitored. Chandrashekhar made it clear that he will not be stopped by anyone and will continue to raise his voice for the rights of his society. After this development, the discussion has intensified in political circles from Western Uttar Pradesh to Awadh region whether this is a new strategy before the 2027 assembly elections.

Announcement of alliance in assembly elections

Chandrashekhar Azad also made his strategy regarding the assembly elections clear. Despite contesting alone in the Lok Sabha elections, the way has been opened for alliance in the Assembly. He said that he is ready to form an alliance with any party except BJP. Describing alliance with BJP as impossible due to ideological differences, he directed the State Working Committee to consider alliance with anyone except BJP.