U.P. CM, Akhilesh issue last-minute appeal for respective political blocs
While U.P. CM raises spectre of Naxalism and terrorism reviving if INDIA coalition comes to power, SP chief reiterates that the ongoing polls are a battle to save democracy and the Constitution
Addressing separate rallies on the last day of campaigning for the fourth phase of the general election, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Leader of the Opposition Akhilesh Yadav appealed to voters on Saturday to stop their opponents from coming to power.
While Mr. Adityanath raised the spectre of Naxalism and terrorism reviving in the event of the INDIA alliance coming to power, Mr. Yadav reiterated that these parliamentary polls are a battle to save democracy and the Constitution.
In Kanpur, the U.P. CM hit out at Congress, the principal Opposition party nationally, and Samajwadi Party (SP), his primary opponent in the State. He alleged that the Congress is spreading the rumour of BJP planning constitutional amendments in an attempt to scare people. Targeting the SP over dynastic politics, he said while politics of Rambhakts (devotees of Ram) is for the nation, the Ramdrohis (anti-Ram people) work for own families. “These people can’t think beyond their family. The SP has given tickets to its own family members on ve seats,” said Mr. Adityanath.
Moving to Kannauj, from where Mr. Yadav is contesting, he claimed that the SP chief had to enter the fray because the Opposition failed to nd a suitable candidate.
Mr. Adityanath also addressed a poll rally in Unnao to canvass for the BJPled National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Personal touch
Mr. Yadav, who campaigned in his constituency for one last time before it goes to polls on May 13, added a personal touch. “I have come to make a request for the Samajwadi Party and myself. All of you, please help us this time. The BJP, which was in power, increased ination, unemployment and looted the farmers. This is a choice for our future, a choice for generations to come,” he said.
Accusing the BJP of conspiring to take away all the rights of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and backward sections, the SP chief claimed the Centre deliberately did not undertake the caste census exercise as the ruling party is afraid of giving legitimate rights to the marginalised sections.
“On June 4, a government of the socialists will be formed. Your enthusiasm shows that the BJP will be defeated on June 4,” he said.