'Kejriwal embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested,' says Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath. File pic

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sharply reacted to remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National President and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Adityanath alleged that "Kejriwal, who shattered Anna Hazare's aspirations and sided with the corrupt, is now targeting me. Kejriwal has embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested."

Adityanath urged the audience to support party candidate Pushpendra Singh Chandel during an election rally in Tindwari town, Banda district, for the Hamirpur-Mahoba Lok Sabha constituency.

Adityanath claimed that after his jail sentence, Kejriwal may have understood his mistake in violating Anna Hazare's ideals. He slammed the AAP for surrounding itself with corrupt persons since coming to office.

"He has shattered Anna Hazare's hopes. It must be disheartening for Anna to witness the kind of politics that has arisen from his movement," said Yogi.

In a lighter vein, Adityanath stated that when Kejriwal was in jail, the people of Delhi felt relieved, equating it to a "cough" receding, but that his release could create discomfort again.

Adityanath emphasised the historical significance of the Tindwari Assembly, citing its role in establishing the nation's trajectory. He emphasised the changes that have occurred in Bundelkhand over the last decade, to eradicate mafia influence and provide locals with basic services.

"This assembly has not only produced a Chief Minister for the state but also a Prime Minister for the country. When I was invited to participate in a programme here, I felt compelled to attend," he said.

Adityanath laid up plans for Bundelkhand's development, which included increased connectivity, tourism promotion, and employment creation. He promised to build developed cities equivalent to Noida and Greater Noida, emphasising the importance of the defence corridor in encouraging local industry.

"Previously, this region was dominated by various mafias, including the mining mafia, land mafia, forest mafia, and dacoits. The SP and Congress were complicit in protecting these criminal elements," he remarked. "They would nominate such individuals as public representatives, allowing the mafia and dacoits to exploit the populace and plunder the region's resources. As a result, the youth of Bundelkhand were compelled to migrate, while daughters and sisters faced the arduous task of fetching water from afar."

In a stinging attack on the opposition, Adityanath asked voters to reject parties such as the SP, Congress, AAP, and RJD, accusing them of abusing the ordinary man. He highlighted the Modi government's welfare measures, which assist millions of people across the country.

Banda, Uttar Pradesh, will vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20.

With ANI inputs