Akhilesh Yadav Pledges to Fund Education of Girl Seen Fleeing Demolition in Viral Video

Viral Clip of 8-Year-Old Ananya Sparks Nationwide Outcry; Supreme Court Seeks Clarity​

Lucknow, April 4 — Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has vowed to bear the education expenses of eight-year-old Ananya Yadav, whose heart-wrenching video of clutching her schoolbooks while fleeing a demolition drive in Ambedkar Nagar has triggered widespread outrage — and prompted the Supreme Court to take note.

Taking to social media platform X, Yadav announced his decision while taking a strong swipe at the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government.

“Those who destroy children's future are truly homeless themselves. We take the responsibility for this child's education. Only those who have studied understand the value of education,” he posted.

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Bulldozer Politics Criticised​

In a stinging rebuke of the state’s use of bulldozers in eviction drives, the former Chief Minister added, “A bulldozer moves on wheels of arrogance, fueled by egotism, with no reins of justice.”

Yadav condemned the act as a symbol of destruction rather than progress, stating that it represents force, not knowledge or wisdom.

Supreme Court Steps In Amid Backlash​

The demolition that displaced Ananya occurred in March, as authorities razed structures deemed to be on encroached land. The now-viral video of her running with books in hand amidst the chaos drew public attention and led to questions over the humanitarian cost of such actions.

Following the uproar, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the issue and has sought a response from officials on the circumstances surrounding such demolition drives in the region.

Administration Defends Action​

Defending the move, the Ambedkar Nagar Police stated:

“This action was taken to remove encroachment from the village land, following an ejection order passed by the Jalalpur tehsildar’s court… The demolition was carried out in full compliance with the revenue court’s order to reclaim government land.”

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A Dream Amid Rubble​

Despite the trauma, young Ananya remains determined. Speaking to reporters after the incident, she expressed her dream: “I want to become an IAS officer.”

With Akhilesh Yadav now stepping in to support her education, the viral video that captured the fragility of her present may just become the first step toward securing her future.