UP Minister Criticises Johny Johny Yes Papa, Rain Rain Go Away, Video Goes Viral

A video of Yogendra Upadhyay criticising popular English nursery rhymes has gone viral on social media, triggering a political row and sharp reactions from the opposition.

Addressing a gathering organised to felicitate Siksha Mitras in Kanpur earlier this week, the BJP leader said rhymes such as Johny Johny Yes Papa and Rain Rain Go Away were against Indian cultural values and promoted wrong lessons among children.

Speaking about “Johny Johny Yes Papa”, Upadhyay said the rhyme teaches children to lie . Referring to the lines “Eating sugar? No Papa” and “Telling lies? No Papa”, he questioned why parents proudly ask children to recite such poems before guests.

“What are we teaching children? It makes a mockery of things,” he said, stressing that education should focus on instilling moral values alongside academics.

The minister also criticised “Rain Rain Go Away”, saying it promotes personal convenience over collective welfare . “Little Johny wants to play, so the rain should go away. What kind of values are these?” he asked, adding that Indian culture believes in “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” welfare and happiness for all.

Upadhyay said teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations and building the nation through value-based education.

The remarks drew criticism from the Samajwadi Party, which accused the BJP of raising cultural controversies to divert attention from governance issues. Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh said the ruling party was highlighting such matters because it had “nothing to tell the people” after nine years in power.

The viral clip has since sparked widespread debate online over education, culture and children’s learning material .