Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the remarks of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge concerning Lord Ram and Lord Shiva and said that the party, facing significant setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, was resorting to disparaging the beliefs of the Hindu majority community to vent its frustration over impending defeat in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Addressing the media at his official residence before embarking on election rallies in Mainpuri, Etah and Firozabad, Chief Minister Yogi remarked, “The history of the Congress party is replete with such actions. Yet, during elections, such tactless behavior becomes conspicuous. By bringing up such issues, the Congress is not only disrespecting the faith of India, but also hurting the sentiments of the majority community.”

Yogi remarked, “The Congress carries forward the British legacy of ‘divide and rule’. It sows the seeds of discord in society based on caste, region and language for petty political gains. The party will continue its divisive agenda in future also to stay relevant in Indian politics.”

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the pledge made by the Congress in its manifesto to include Muslims also among the beneficiaries of the reservation meant for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

Yogi highlighted the essence of Sanatan Dharma, emphasising that Lord Ram and Lord Shiva hold significant reverence within its worship practices. He pointed out that in the epic Ramcharitmanas, there are instances where Lord Ram worships Lord Shiva and vice versa, illustrating their mutual respect and complementarity.

“Lord Ram says, ‘Shivdrohi mam das kahava so nar mohi sapnehu nahi paava’ (if someone betrays Lord Shiva and proudly claims to be my servant or devotee, they cannot reach me even in their dreams.)

Chief Minister Yogi also expressed his strong disapproval of Congress’ disregard for India’s Sanatan traditions, accusing the party and its president of disrespecting and manipulating the country’s faith. He condemned the attempt to pit Lord Ram against Lord Shiva in speeches of Congress leaders.

Yogi further said, “Our scriptures bear testimony to the fact that betrayal of either Lord Shiva or Lord Ram inevitably leads to defeat and downfall.”

He said the Congress president’s recent derogatory remarks were a “new beginning of the party’s downfall”.

Chief Minister Yogi criticised the party leader for not only undermining the Hindu faith but also steering Congress towards oblivion through such divisive actions.

He hoped that the divine wisdom of Lord Shri Ram and Devadhidev Mahadev Shiva would guide the Congress leadership to embrace the path of truth amid these challenges.