Two grooms, Hindu rites, Akhilesh’s smile, and a storm he didn’t dodge

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday posted photos on X showing him attending a wedding ceremony involving two men, setting off a sharp political backlash, with some suggesting it was a same-sex marriage, which has no legal standing in India.

While Yadav did not comment beyond two words – “shaadi samaroh” (wedding ceremony) –  netizens were quick to conclude that it was a gay wedding.

शादी समारोह। pic.twitter.com/xp5oTooxKS

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 21, 2025

In his post, Yadav appeared alongside the two grooms, both wearing garlands and seated in what looked like a traditional ritual setting. The images spread rapidly online and were amplified by users across the political spectrum.

One user, however, later claimed that it was a joint wedding ceremony of “jija and saala” (brothers-in-law). But by then, social media was abuzz with bouquets and brickbats for Yadav.

“Akhilesh Yadav’s core support base is leftists and Islamists in Uttar Pradesh. He won’t support things that are against Islam. Most probably this is some kind of ritual, and it isn’t a gay marriage, unlike what most people are speculating,” Rohith (@rohithverse) posted on X on November 22.

Akhilesh Yadav core support base is leftists and Islamists in Uttar Pradesh. He won’t support the things that are against to Islam. Most probably this is some kind of ritual and it isn’t a gay marriage unlike the most people are speculating. https://t.co/1ORKW5gV7h

— Rohith (@rohithverse) November 22, 2025

The legal position remains unchanged since the Supreme Court’s Constitution Bench verdict in Supriyo v. Union of India in October 2023. The court held that there is no fundamental right to marry and declined to legalise same-sex marriages through judicial interpretation, saying any recognition must come from Parliament.

In January 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed review petitions against that verdict, reinforcing that same-sex marriages cannot be registered under existing laws unless the legislature intervenes.

Legal experts have noted that while adults are free to conduct private ceremonies, such relationships do not receive statutory recognition under current personal laws or the Special Marriage Act.

The 2023 judgment also directed the Union government to examine limited protections for queer couples through an executive process, but no marriage law has been amended so far.

The Samajwadi Party has not issued any official statement beyond Yadav’s post.

The controversy continues to play out online, with supporters calling Yadav’s appearance a gesture of inclusion and critics questioning the political intent behind it.