UP CM Yogi Slams RJD-Congress Alliance Over Burqa Row

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has condemned the RJD-Congress alliance for opposing the Election Commission's guidelines on verifying the identities of burqa-clad women voters. He highlighted the importance of strict adherence to these guidelines while addressing ongoing electoral issues in Bihar.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar for opposing the Election Commission's directive on identifying women voters wearing burqas at polling stations. He accused the opposition of creating unnecessary controversy over the matter. The commission had announced that anganwadi workers would be present at polling booths to verify the identities of burqa-clad women.

The guidelines set by the commission are explicit regarding identity verification within polling stations and will be enforced strictly. Addressing a rally in Danapur, near Patna, Yogi Adityanath supported party candidate Ram Kripal Yadav, a former Union minister who recently filed his nomination papers. He questioned whether fake voters should be permitted to vote, alleging that Congress and RJD are causing a stir over burqas for this reason.

Yogi Adityanath's Criticism of Opposition

Yogi Adityanath accused Congress and RJD of opposing electronic voting machines (EVMs) because they wish to revert to ballot papers, which previously enabled booth capturing by their supporters. He highlighted the cultural ties between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, noting plans for enhancing connectivity between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi, where a grand temple of Lord Ram is under construction.

The chief minister, known as "bulldozer baba" for his firm approach against lawbreakers in Uttar Pradesh, referred to the mafia in his state as "partners" of the RJD. He assured that under NDA governance, these elements would face similar consequences in Bihar. Yogi also criticised the RJD for aligning with Congress despite its founding president Lalu Prasad's early political career under Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), whose movement led to Indira Gandhi's electoral defeat.

Legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan

Yogi Adityanath alleged that the Samajwadi Party, his main rival in Uttar Pradesh and part of the INDIA bloc with Congress and RJD, has similarly neglected JP's legacy. He mentioned that a hospital named after JP at his birthplace was neglected until his government took charge and renovated it. The UP chief minister is on a one-day visit to Bihar and plans to address another rally in Saharsa later.

Yogi Adityanath emphasised Bihar's progress under NDA rule while accusing Congress-RJD of mischief by stirring controversy over burqas. He reiterated that guidelines for verifying voter identity at polling stations are clear and will be followed rigorously.