Akhilesh challenges Yogi to contest from Ayodhya (Img: Dynamite News)
Ayodhya: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav challenged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to contest the next election from Ayodhya, claiming voters would deliver a decisive verdict.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday threw an open electoral challenge to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to contest the upcoming election from Ayodhya if he was confident of his political standing.
Addressing a public gathering during his two-day visit to Ayodhya, Yadav took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the ruling party was unable to find a candidate willing to contest from the temple town.
Yadav said the Chief Minister himself should enter the electoral fray from Ayodhya and face the voters directly. Questioning the confidence of the BJP and the state administration, he said,
“If you think you can win from here and have the confidence, then let the Chief Minister himself contest the election from Ayodhya. This time, the people of Ayodhya will give him an appropriate answer.”
He also questioned the approach of the Election Commission and the administration, arguing that governance should be based on justice and humanity rather than political manipulation.
During his visit, Yadav participated in a Bhagwat Katha and sought the blessings of saints. Speaking about the religious event, he said the Bhagwat Katha teaches people to break free from various forms of bondage, including those of power, caste, social hierarchy and untouchability.
Referring to Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, the SP chief said the teachings of the religious tradition emphasise love and humanity as the foundation of governance. He said Krishna's friendship with Sudama represented the spirit of PDA — a reference to his political formulation of backward classes, Dalits and minorities — and social justice.
Yadav also said the Sudarshan Chakra associated with power should not be used to frighten people but to protect the righteous.
Taking a broader swipe at the ruling establishment, he said those who lacked a sense of love and compassion would meet the same fate as Kansa. He added that political power was temporary, but the erosion of constitutional values and social harmony could have lasting consequences.
The SP chief said protecting the Constitution and maintaining communal and social harmony were among the biggest challenges before society.
Yadav also announced a series of promises, including annual financial assistance of Rs. 40,000 for women if the Samajwadi Party returned to power.
“In the future, our mothers and sisters will be given Rs. 40,000 every year. When the Samajwadi Party government comes to power, there will be no discrimination against you, nor will your shops or homes be demolished. When the Samajwadi Party government is formed, we will accelerate development to establish Ayodhya’s identity at the international level.”
He also promised to accelerate development in Ayodhya and strengthen its international identity if the Samajwadi Party formed the government in Uttar Pradesh.
