Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Rahul Gandhi, Questions Congress' Role in National Development:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to Rahul Gandhi as a "namuna" (specimen) during an interview with ANI, stating that individuals like him help the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintain a clear and consistent path forward. He accused Rahul Gandhi of using his Bharat Jodo Yatra as a tool to divide the country rather than unite it.

Yogi remarked, “The Bharat Jodo Yatra is actually a Bharat Todo Abhiyan. He criticizes the country while abroad. The people of India now understand his real intentions.”

Congress’ Past Questioned Over Development and Ayodhya Dispute

The Chief Minister challenged the Congress party’s contributions to India, especially over the past several decades. He alleged that Congress allowed the Ayodhya issue to remain unresolved for political gain and questioned why key reforms, such as the abolition of triple talaq and modernization efforts like infrastructure and religious site development, weren’t initiated during their tenure.

“Why didn’t Congress work on fulfilling Gandhi’s vision for Kashi? That vision was realized only under Prime Minister Modi,” Yogi said.

Akhilesh Yadav and Historical Interpretations

Yogi Adityanath also targeted Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, criticizing his earlier praise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He accused the opposition of aligning themselves with historical figures like Aurangzeb and Babar, suggesting this reflects their outlook on India’s heritage.

“The same people who glorify Jinnah and other invaders cannot be expected to uphold India’s unity or honor its great leaders,” he said, while contrasting this with the BJP’s reverence for figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Past Comments on Jinnah Resurface

The remarks follow Akhilesh Yadav’s 2021 comment, where he acknowledged Jinnah’s role in India’s independence, grouping him with national leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel for studying at the same institution and becoming barristers. This comment had previously drawn criticism from the BJP.