Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a marathon election campaign in Sitapur and Bahraich districts on Tuesday, seeking support for Misrikh candidate  Ashok Rawat, Rajesh Verma from Sitapur and Dr Anand Kumar Gond from Bahraich Lok Sabha seats.

Yogi also came down heavily on Samajwadi Party’s national general secretary Prof Ram Gopal Yadav’s controversial statement on the Ram temple, SP and the opposition’s alleged anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan dharma stance. In the same breath, he enumerated the contribution of the BJP government in the development of Sitapur.

Addressing a gathering in Misrikh, Yogi said that abusing the Sanatan culture of India and questioning the existence of Lord Ram and Krishna has become fashionable for opposition leaders these days.

“This is a sign of ‘Vinash Kale Viprit Buddhi’,” he remarked, adding: “They should know that this land belongs to the sages and Sanatanis, who not only performed yajnas/havans, but also annihilated demons when it was needed.”

'Presently, the world is looking towards Sitapur and UP because when a ‘Ramdrohi’ questions Lord Ram’s existence, Naimisharanya presents evidence from scriptures. It is only in the land of Naimisharanya that such courage is demonstrated,” Yogi said.

He highlighted that the BJP’s double-engine government has embarked on several initiatives for the development of Naimisharanya, which are now clearly visible.

“Just as Ayodhya is experiencing a revitalisation today, Naimisharanya is also undergoing a transformation. Plans are underway to introduce air services and electric bus services, along with the construction of guest houses for travellers,” the CM said.

Furthermore, the chief minister urged people to vote en masse in support of the BJP and the NDA in order to alienate those who supported terrorism and mafia from India’s election process completely.

Taking a dig at Prof Ram Gopal Yadav for his controversial statement on the Ram temple in Sitapur, Yogi said that had he made the comment against a Muslim, they would not have tolerated it.

He remarked: “A magnificent temple of Ram Lalla has been constructed in Ayodhya, yet the national general secretary of the Samajwadi Party has deemed the construction worthless. Had he made similar remarks about a Muslim, it would not have been tolerated. But when it comes to you, he says whatever comes to his mind. Can you accept this?”

Continuing his critique, he stated, “Supporters of the SP open fire on Ram devotees and perform ‘aarti’ for terrorists. They demand the withdrawal of cases against these perpetrators. They celebrate the death of Ram devotees and shed crocodile tears over the demise of the mafia.”

The CM urged people to show those who disrespect Lord Ram and Krishna and support terrorists their right place in this election through their votes.

“Sevata and Sitapur have received the maximum number of houses and toilets in the country. Sitapur has benefitted the most from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Your choice of competent public representatives has ensured that your district is firmly connected to the mainstream of development. Additionally, numerous welfare schemes for the poor are also being implemented here,” Yogi said.

He also sought to forge an emotional connect with the residents of Sitapur, recalling how Paramvir Chakra recipient Captain Manoj Pandey, who hailed from this soil, bravely secured victory for India in Kargil and sacrificed his life to save his comrades from the enemy.

Addressing a public meeting in Bahraich, Yogi said that those raising slogans of Pakistan for their political gains should rather go there and starve to death. “They will suffer the same fate which Maharaja Suheldev meted out to Salar Masood. This is the land of heroes. Tell them not to become a burden on India and go to Pakistan and starve to death,” Yogi said.

He added that today Bahraich is creating new dimensions of development. “A hospital in the name of Maharishi Balark and a medical college in the name of Maharaja Suheldev have been opened here. The grand victory pillar of Maharaja Suheldev is ready. He was a national protector, so it is our job to pay respect to him,” Yogi remarked.

The CM said that during the time of SP, pistols were given to the youth, but the double-engine government has given them tablets.