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

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remark saying that a "true yogi" would never make comments like "batenge toh katenge", with Adityanath telling the nation is his top priority.

In an address at a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra's Achalpur, Adityanath stated that he was a yogi and put the nation first, hitting back at Kharge for describing him as not a real yogi. Kharge had earlier said such remarks are typically made by terrorists.

"Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians," Kharge had tweeted, without mentioning Adityanath directly. However, on Monday, he took aim saying that if we divide, then Ganapati pooja would be attacked, lands would be grabbed under Land Jihad, safety of our daughters would be put in danger.

The BJP reacted strongly to Kharge's comments describing the Congress as 'anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan'. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said that while Adityanath does enjoy saffron colour attire, he would not do the same for the Muslim community. However, the opposition is not backing off on this issue.

The elections for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are scheduled to take place on November 20 with the vote count scheduled for November 23.