Yogi’s 80%-20% remark a bid to inflame communal tension: Oppn
LUCKNOW: A comment by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath sparked a political row in Uttar Pradesh with his political opponents alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader is inflaming communal passions ahead of assembly elections next month.
The controversy began after Adityanath spoke at a conclave organised by Doordarshan on Saturday. “It will be an 80% versus 20% in UP polls and the BJP will retain power,” he said, adding that his party will fight the upcoming elections on the planks of nationalism, good governance, and development.
“The 80% supporters will be on one side while 20% will be on the other. I think 80% will move forward with positive energy whereas 20% have always opposed and will oppose further,” he added.
The statement was made hours before the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced poll dates in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, and automatically enforced the model code of conduct.
The state will go to the polls in seven phases, beginning on February 10 and ending on March 7.
The Opposition said Adityanath was hinting at Muslims, who constitute around 20 per cent of the state’s population. “While he is on his way out, the comment exposes him even further,” said Congress leader Zeeshan Haider.
The SP accused the CM of communalism. “This is what he and the BJP are best at; communalism and hate politics. It’s a clear communal statement, but now all such statements will go unnoticed. Hindu-muslim or hate politics won’t count this time, people have already made up their minds to oust this government,” said SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary.
“Yogi ji is right but I think we would have a share of the 20 per cent too,” said BJP leader Vinay Katiyar.