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

Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a scathing reply to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark that he is not a true yogi due to his "batenge toh katenge" (if divided, we will be wiped out) comment, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath on Tuesday claimed the nation was his priority, leaving no room for appeasement politics.

Addressing a public meeting in poll-bound Maharashtra's Achalpur, Yogi Adityanath directly targeted Kharge and Congress, saying the party is all about 'Bharat Jodo' while BJP is into ‘Bharat Todo'. The CM claimed that several leaders take on pseudo-sadhu attire and have become politicians, highlighting alleged cases like Pawan Khera.

Adityanath took his party's slogan "kalenge toh batenge" forward, stating that if the state is divided, then Ganapati pooja would be attacked, lands would be grabbed under Land Jihad, and the safety of daughters would be at risk. He emphasized that there was no Love Jihad or Land Jihad in UP today.

Reacting to Yogi Adityanath's comeback, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said that for 13 years, Baramati has witnessed destruction but Kharge feels he can’t blame the Nizam due to Muslim votes. This comparison comes after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge mocked Adityanath by calling him a sadhu-turned-politician.

The BJP slammed the party as 'anti-Hindu' and 'anti-Sanatan'. The spokesperson called out the Congress for its hypocrisy, stating that while they target those wearing saffron attire or claiming to be sadhus, Muslim leaders can engage in such claims without facing scrutiny.

With elections scheduled for 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra set to take place on November 20th and voting on November 23rd, a tense battle is brewing between the two major camps amidst fierce criticism.