Sending across a strong message, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, took his lunch at the house of Dalit party worker Amrit Lal Bharti in Gorakhpur. The chief minister sat on the floor and had the traditional khichdi (rice and lentil dish) served in pattal (leaf plate) with Bharti.
"I want to thank Bharti who belongs to Scheduled Caste community for inviting me for 'Khichri Sahbhoj' on the occasion of Makar Sankranti today," CM Adityanath told reporters after the lunch. The CM said that he participated in the 'Sahbhoj' as part of the BJP's motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'.
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This move is being seen as a befitting reply to the Opposition who has accused the CM and the ruling state government of playing caste politics in the upcoming Assembly elections.
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Meanwhile, Bharti's family said that they were 'thrilled' to have the Chief Minister as a guest. "We prepared khichdi, papad and some other dishes for the occasion," the women in the family said.
(With inputs from agencies)
