For A Yogi, Nation Is First': Adityanath's Comeback After Mallikarjun Kharge’s Jibe

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has fired back at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after being targeted by the opposition leader for his alleged "divison-centric" remarks. In a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra's Achalpur, Adityanath said he was a yogi and that the nation came first to him, hitting back at Kharge's assertion that none of genuine yogis would speak like that.

Adityanath also utilized his party's 'katenge toh batenge' slogan to address concerns about communal harmony in UP. "If we are divided, then Ganapati pooja would be attacked, lands would be grabbed under Land Jihad, safety of daughters would be in danger," he said. He added that the Congress was into appeasement politics.

In a scathing attack on Adityanath, Kharge had said earlier that true yogis would never make remarks like "batenge toh katenge" and called the BJP's slogan 'terrorist'. However, Adityanath has come strong against such accusations, emphasizing his commitment to the nation over any personal gain.

Congress has responded to Adityanath's comeback, with senior Congress leader Pawan Khera accusing the opposition of using appeasement politics for votes. He also mentioned that Kharge had lost his family in a horrific incident sparked by communal violence in his home state, Maharashtra.

The BJP has responded strongly, calling out the Congress as anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan, while questioning how they differentiate between Muslim religious leaders who speak like politicians from genuine yogis who speak from the heart. With Assembly elections looming in Maharashtra on 20th November, this exchange highlights the deepening divide between the BJP and the opposition parties.

As India gears up for a critical election season starting with these states, these jibes reflect the increasing polarisation of politics.