In India, wedding processions are often grand and unique, featuring various modes of transportation, from traditional palanquins and bullock carts to luxurious cars and even helicopters. However, in Uttar Pradesh, a new trend has emerged, where some newlyweds have chosen bulldozers as the centerpiece of their processions, aiming to make their ceremonies unforgettable.
On Friday, Rahul Yadav, a 25-year-old groom, decided to incorporate a bulldozer into his wedding farewell (Bidai) ceremony. Sitting with his bride, Karishma, on the semi-U-blade of the machine, the couple enjoyed the first ten minutes of their departure before switching to an SUV. The blade was adorned with colorful festoons, fresh flowers, and bright balloons, creating a striking visual.
Their wedding procession, which took place in Raksa, Jhansi district, approximately 420 km southwest of Lucknow, was further enhanced by the presence of eleven additional bulldozers, each carrying friends and family members of the groom. Speaking to the media, Rahul explained that this unique choice was meant as a symbolic gesture in support of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s policies.
Adityanath, often referred to as “Bulldozer Baba,” has become known for his controversial approach to law enforcement, which includes the demolition of properties belonging to individuals accused of crimes, many of whom are Muslims, under the pretext of illegal construction. His strategy has inspired similar actions from other BJP-led state governments and municipal bodies. However, the Supreme Court of India intervened last year, halting these unilateral demolitions and condemning them as unlawful actions that bypass legal procedures.
This is not the first time a bulldozer has been prominently featured in celebratory events. In 2022, a wheel loader, a machine resembling a bulldozer, was included in the India Day Parade in Edison, New Jersey, to commemorate Indian Independence. The loader was decorated with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath. However, the stunt received severe backlash from many Indians, who compared it to symbols associated with oppressive organizations like the Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. Following widespread criticism, the Indian Business Association, which had organized the event, initially defended its decision but ultimately issued an apology at the insistence of local authorities.
Uttar Pradesh has witnessed similar displays at weddings in the past. In another recent instance, Krishan Verma, a young businessman from Khajani, Gorakhpur, made his grand entrance to his wedding in Khalilabad atop a bulldozer. When asked about his choice, Verma stated that it was a response to comments from his in-laws, who pointed out that while the BJP had won the Khalilabad Assembly election in 2022, it had received fewer votes in the core town area. He clarified that using a bulldozer was his way of demonstrating that the BJP remained dominant in the region.
Rahul’s uncle, Rajkumar Yadav, supported the decision to use bulldozers, emphasizing that the primary intent was to create a memorable experience while simultaneously acknowledging the chief minister’s influence. “We have seen weddings with bullock carts, luxury cars, and even helicopters. But a bulldozer makes it truly unforgettable. Many guests recorded videos that will be shared on social media, ensuring this event remains in people’s minds for years,” he remarked. He also highlighted that their family owned several bulldozers, making it easy for them to incorporate them into the festivities.
The idea of featuring bulldozers in weddings has been around for a while. In December 2022, a similar incident took place in Hamirpur when a man named Parashuram Prajapati gifted his daughter Neha a bulldozer as a wedding present. He justified the unusual gift by explaining that although his daughter was preparing for the UPSC exams, the bulldozer would provide her with a stable source of income if she were unsuccessful in her aspirations to join the civil services.
Despite the enthusiasm of some for this trend, opposition parties have consistently criticized the BJP governments for allegedly using bulldozers as instruments of intimidation against minorities and political opponents.
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court has issued directives requiring authorities to provide at least 15 days’ notice before carrying out any demolitions. The court has also mandated that officials must specify the legal violations involved, such as unauthorized construction or encroachment, before proceeding with demolition orders. The judiciary has strongly warned against the misuse of government power, cautioning that authorities should not act as judges in determining guilt without proper trials.
As the debate continues, bulldozers remain an unexpected but increasingly visible presence in weddings and political discourse alike, symbolizing both admiration and controversy in contemporary Uttar Pradesh.