In a blistering attack on Samajwadi Party on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that while the nation’s heritage is represented by the Ram Temple, the true legacy of SP is tied to figures like Khan Mubarak, Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made this remark while addressing rallies for the assembly by-elections in Katehari of Ambedkar Nagar and Majhawan assembly constituency of Mirzapur, seeking support for party candidates Dharmaraj Nishad and Suchismita Maurya respectively.

Yogi asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the past 10 years, the nation has made uninterrupted progress in security, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and in preserving its heritage.

“In contrast, before 2014, the leaders of the opposition alliance played with national security and disrespected our heritage. Today, Ram Lalla has been enshrined in the magnificent Ram temple in Ayodhya, a sight that fills every citizen of the country with pride. This is our heritage, which has been repeatedly insulted by the people of the Samajwadi Party,” he said.

Yogi said, “While significant development work is being carried out in the state, our heritage is also being honoured. Though Dr Lohia was born in Ambedkar Nagar, the Samajwadi Party has strayed far from the values and ideals upheld by him and Acharya Narendra Dev. This is why they avoid visiting the memorial of Maharaja Suheldev — they fear that doing so might alienate their Muslim vote bank.”

The rallies were attended by several ministers, including Swatantra Dev Singh, Om Prakash Rajbhar, Sanjay Nishad, Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, MLC Dr Dhamendra Singh, and ministers Anil Rajbhar, Ashish Patel, Ramkesh Nishad, and MP Vinod Bind.

While addressing an election rally in Katehari, Yogi Adityanath highlighted the achievements of the National Democratic Alliance government in honouring heritage and promoting development. He mentioned the grand memorial of Maharaja Suheldev in Bahraich, built to commemorate one of India’s great warriors. Additionally, a 56-foot-high statue symbolising the friendship between Lord Ram and Nishadraj has been installed in Shringverpur, reflecting the government’s respect for cultural traditions.

Yogi criticised the Samajwadi Party for disrespecting traditions, farmers and youth. He referred to a shocking incident in Ayodhya involving a Nishad community girl, emphasising that the Samajwadi Party leadership attempted to justify it.

“Our government firmly stands with the Nishad daughter and her family. There is no place for the perpetrator of such acts — only a place in hell awaits them,” he declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice.

Yogi also emphasised the transformative development happening across the state, including in Katehari, where significant progress has been made over the past two years. He noted the government’s efforts to provide free LPG cylinders, and pensions for senior citizens, widows and the disabled, and to ensure benefits reach all without discrimination. Unlike previous governments, which selectively distributed benefits, the current administration is working with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, he stated.

Highlighting the state’s ambitious Zero Poverty Scheme, Yogi said that a rapid survey is underway to identify beneficiaries. The scheme aims to provide free housing, Ayushman cards, ration cards, pensions and other essential facilities to eliminate poverty in the state.

While addressing a public meeting in the Majhawan assembly constituency of Mirzapur, Yogi Adityanath emphasised the transformative progress being made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He highlighted the emergence of a new, developed India, driven by the double-engine government which is rapidly building a model of security, prosperity and good governance akin to the speed of a bullet train.

He pointed out the swift pace of infrastructure development across Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the state has now rid itself of mafia dominance.

“In stark contrast, during the Samajwadi Party rule, development was limited to the Saifai family and the families of powerful mafias. The dreaded criminals responsible for the murders of BJP MLAs Krishnanand Rai and Raju Pal were once celebrated by the SP and BSP. Today, Uttar Pradesh stands free from mafia influence and the fear they instilled,” he asserted.

Yogi added, “Earlier, UP was synonymous with curfews and riots; now, it is defined by peace and progress — “No curfew, no danga, UP Mai sab changa”; this is the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India.”

He also provided updates on the development projects in Mirzapur, noting that the Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor is nearing completion and will soon benefit devotees. Under the One District, One Medical College initiative, the construction of a medical college named after Maa Vindhyavasini is progressing rapidly. Additionally, a new university has been approved to empower the region’s youth, he added.

Criticizing the Samajwadi Party, Yogi stated that such projects were never part of their agenda, as “they prioritised nepotism over public welfare”.

“Our government operates on the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas while the Samajwadi Party only served their inner circle,” he said.

In closing, Yogi urged the voters to ensure the Samajwadi Party experiences the same deprivation for votes as they once made the public endure for development, security and basic resources.