The Hindu (Mumbai)

Adityanath and Akhilesh issue last-minute appeal for respective alliances

While U.P. CM raises of spectre of Naxalism and terrorism reviving if INDIA alliance comes to power, SP chief reiterates that the 2024 polls are a battle to save democracy and the Constituti­on

- Mayank Kumar

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 of 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 candidate.

Mr. Adityanath also addressed a poll rally in Unnao on Saturday to canvass for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

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 inœation, 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 the Scheduled Castes (SC) and backwards, the SP president claimed that the Centre deliberate­ly didn’t 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.

 ?? ?? U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath addressing a rally in Kanpur Dehat, and (right) SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Kannauj on Saturday.
U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath addressing a rally in Kanpur Dehat, and (right) SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Kannauj on Saturday.
 ?? PTI ?? Final pitch:
PTI Final pitch:

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