Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, calling him a ‘namuna’ (specimen) and stating that the BJP benefits from having politicians like him, as it ensures a clear and smooth political path for the party.
In an interview with ANI, CM Yogi dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, labeling it as ‘Bharat Todo Abhiyan’ (Campaign to Break India). He accused Rahul Gandhi of maligning India’s image on foreign soil and claimed that his real intentions behind the yatra were now exposed.
“Bharat Jodo Yatra is nothing but Bharat Todo Abhiyan. He criticizes India outside India. The country has understood his true nature. For BJP, it is good to have a few specimens like Rahul Gandhi so that the path remains clear forever,” said Yogi Adityanath.
Congress’ Legacy Questioned
The Chief Minister questioned Congress’ contributions over the past 60-70 years, especially regarding the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue. He alleged that the Congress deliberately kept the dispute alive and never worked for a ‘Shrestha Bharat’ (Great India).
“For six to ten decades, what was Congress doing? He (Rahul) should have asked his grandfather, grandmother, and father why they didn’t work for India’s development. Today, under PM Modi’s leadership, India is progressing, but Congress never wanted that. They let Ayodhya remain a controversy for years,” he added.
Yogi further attacked Congress for failing to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for Kashi and accused the party of neglecting India’s cultural and religious heritage.
“Congress used Gandhi’s name for political gains, but in 1916, Mahatma Gandhi criticized the condition of Kashi’s Sankri Gali. Why didn’t Congress fulfill his vision? It was PM Modi who transformed Kashi into a world-class city. Congress also failed to end triple talaq, promote the Kumbh Mela globally, and build modern infrastructure,” he said.
Attack on Akhilesh Yadav & Opposition
Targeting Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, Yogi said that those who glorify Jinnah and Aurangzeb cannot teach history.
“In our culture, we believe that one becomes like the person they worship. We respect Ram, Krishna, and Shiva, and we carry their virtues. But those who worship Aurangzeb and Babar will reflect their qualities. The people have seen it before and will see it in the future too. Those who glorify Jinnah have no moral right to talk about India’s unity,” Yogi said.
He further criticized the Opposition for not supporting BJP’s ‘Run for Unity’ initiative for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and instead choosing to praise divisive figures.
“On one hand, we honor Sardar Patel, the symbol of India’s unity. On the other hand, these people glorify Jinnah and Babar. Their feelings towards India’s heritage and great leaders are evident. They are opportunists who care only about their political gains,” the CM remarked.
