Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) during his campaign for the November 20 UP bypolls, accusing the opposition of being tied to figures with criminal backgrounds and disrespecting the state’s heritage. Adityanath’s remarks focused on contrasting the BJP’s legacy of building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with the SP’s alleged associations with criminals like Atiq Ahmad, Mukhtar Ansari, and Khan Mubarak.
Addressing rallies in Katehari in Ambedkarnagar and Majhawan in Mirzapur, Adityanath said that while the BJP proudly stood for national heritage, including the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Samajwadi Party had always been linked with figures who had criminal backgrounds. “The Samajwadi Party’s true legacy is tied to notorious figures like Khan Mubarak, Atiq Ahmed, and Mukhtar Ansari. These individuals are known for their criminal activities, and their association with the party only reflects its values,” said Adityanath.
He further criticized the opposition for undermining national security and disrespecting India’s cultural heritage before 2014, a period when the BJP came into power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP, Adityanath emphasized, had worked to enshrine the Ram Lalla deity in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, a project that was viewed as a significant milestone for Hindus and one that has filled the nation with pride.
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The Chief Minister did not stop at attacking the SP’s alleged criminal connections but also accused the party of straying from the values of its own founder, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Dr. Lohia, a prominent socialist leader, advocated for social justice, farmers’ rights, and equality. According to Adityanath, the Samajwadi Party had deviated from these ideals, focusing instead on appeasing certain vote banks at the cost of development.
“Though Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia was born in Ambedkarnagar, the Samajwadi Party has strayed far from his values and ideals. They avoid visiting the memorial of Maharaja Suheldev, fearing it might alienate their Muslim vote bank,” Adityanath claimed. Maharaja Suheldev is considered a warrior who fought against invaders, and his memorial is seen as a symbol of pride for many in Uttar Pradesh, particularly those from the Rajput and OBC communities.
Adityanath also took the opportunity to highlight the significant infrastructure development taking place across Uttar Pradesh under the BJP government. He pointed out that the state was now rapidly moving forward with projects aimed at improving roads, bridges, and public facilities. “Under BJP rule, we have rid Uttar Pradesh of mafia dominance, which the Samajwadi Party had fostered. We are working towards making UP a state of prosperity and progress,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister also attacked the SP for disrespecting farmers and youth, two key voter segments in the state. He accused the opposition of failing to address their concerns, while the BJP government had introduced schemes and policies aimed at improving the welfare of both groups.
Yogi Adityanath’s rhetoric in these bypoll rallies reflects his determination to continue with the BJP’s development agenda and nationalist vision. With the Ram Mandir at the heart of his campaign, Adityanath sought to galvanize Hindu voters by positioning the BJP as the party that truly honors India’s cultural and religious heritage.
At the same time, his attacks on the SP’s ties to criminals and his references to Dr. Lohia’s ideals seek to portray the BJP as a party committed to the values of good governance and development, while contrasting it sharply with what he described as the SP’s regressive politics.
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