For A Yogi, Nation Is First': Adityanath's Comeback After Mallikarjun Kharge’s Jibe
India-based news website Alayaran.com
Date: November 12, 2024
Mumbai, Maharashtra - In a bold statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit back at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's scathing remark on him. Yesterday, in a public speech in Achalpur, Maharashtra, Kharge had made some disparaging comments about the UP CM using his party’s traditional slogan "katenge toh batenge" (if divided, we will be wiped out).
Taking his signature phrase forward and firing back at his opponent, Adityanath stated that while Congress appeasement politics comes first for Kharge, the nation is a yogi's priority. The remark was made by Adityanath during an election rally ahead of Maharashtra's state assembly elections.
"The incident between us did not go unnoticed," said Adityanath while addressing supporters in Achalpur. "I am a yogi and the nation comes first for me. While you, Mr. Kharge, are concerned about Congress appeasement politics."
Taking aim at his party’s own slogan and taking it forward, he noted that if people remain divided, the safety of daughters will be endangered and land grabs would occur under Land Jihad. Refuting claims from Congress about Love Jihad being prevalent in UPPur, Adityanath denied saying the word 'katenge.' On the other side, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized UP CM Adityanath for playing politics with sensitive communal issue – “When Kharge’s native village was burnt under erstwhile Hyderabad city ruled over by Nizam; the loss of his family members will always mark him differently and should be remembered when making politics out of hate."
"This is the true ideology of Congress, however. We are all about Bharat Joda movement but BJP is into – ' Bharat Todo'. As a nation, we can't let our enemies tear us apart while promoting unity," Khera said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reacted by attacking the Congress for playing "anti-Hindu" and opposing sanatan ideology. In an interview with CNN-News18, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that if Kharge is criticizing Adityanath's saffron attire – how can he not speak on Muslim religion leaders?
The state election is expected to begin from November 20th, after which a public address from the CM about his campaign is anticipated.