Chunav Manch 2022: Yogi Adityanath tears into Akhilesh, SP; calls alliance with RLD opportunism | HIGHLIGHTS

My only message to Akhileshji is that he should learn to wake up early so that he can think about the betterment of the state and its people. Also, he should get angry less, Yogi Adityanath said at India TV Chunav Manch

During the previous Samajwadi Party government, electricity was provided only to three disricts in the state. When we came to power, we rectified this and now power has reached every village and town of the state, Yogi Adityanath said at India TV Chunav Manch

If Akhilesh Yadav has a mass base, he should contest election from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath

The only evidence of development under Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party government was the boundary wall of barbistan (cemetery), UP CM Yogi Adityanath said at India TV Chunav Manch

The alliance between Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is nothing but opportunism. There was a similar alliance in 2017. They only want to use farmers for their votes, Yogi Adityanath said at India TV Chunav Manch.

I always talk about nationalismm, but Akhilesh sangs praises of Jinnah. He even went on to insult freedom fighters, Yogi Adityanath said.

Earlier, illegal arm factories were set up, but now were are developing defence corridor in the state. In Jewar, one of the biggest airports is coming up. UP has become one of the most  sought after states for investment. Farmers and the common public have been benefitted by the double engine government, Yogi Adityanath said.

Who can forget the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Two young men were killed when they went help their sister. Riots continued for months in Muzaffarnagar but SP government failed to prevent violence, infact they lauded the rioters, Adityanath said.

Speaking on Kanpur raids, Yogi Adityanath said Akhilesh Yadav stands exposed now. "Akhilesh earlier said he had no link with the businessman, but his photo with 'itr wale mitr' says it all. Money meant for development projects went to 'mitr' (friend)," said Adityanath at India TV Chunav Manch.

There are no cases against me as of today. I haven't withdrawn any case on myself. It was during Mulayam Singh's government that cases were taken back, says CM Adityanath

Cases filed against Azam Khan are due to his own misdeeds. There is no political vendetta in this. As far as cases against me are concerned, I have not withdrawn any case on myself. There are no cases on me today, says UP CM Adityanath

UP CM Yogi Adityanath said that the Opposition's list of candidates features professional rioters, mafia, history sheeters, criminals. Our government has worked to provide a better secure environment for people in the state. There has been no riot in the state in the last five years. No businessman has been forced to migrate due to crime in the state now, says CM Adityanath at India TV Chunav Manch

During 2012-2017, riots happened in the state every third day. Our daughters were not safe. Families were forced to send their daughters far away to study. The Opposition says something and does something else, CM Adityanath said attacking the Samajwadi Party

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called Samajwadi Party a 'bahroopiya' brand. He also accused SP of dynasty politics. "The Samajwadi Party has failed to think beyond one family. They never considered people as their own. They have no sympathy for poor, farmers and youth of the state," Adityanath said during India TV Chunav Manch. 

BJP government led by Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh has given jobs to people without any biasness. We have been listing the work this government has done, let SP come out with a similar list if they have, says Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad at India TV Chunav Manch

There is little difference between the BJP and Samajwadi Party. People have seen both governments and elections are here, we will see what happens next. It is a fact that parties give ticket on the basis of caste. We have formed alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and others and we want greater representative of people belonging to neglected strata, says Babu Singh Kushwaha

Senior BJP leader and former UP Chief Minister has accused Swami Prasad Maurya of leaving the saffron party due his own selfishness. "BJP's motto is Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas, but leaders like him (Maurya) have their own motives," Pal said speaking at India TV Chunav Manch 2022

Swami Prasad Maurya, who was a minister in Yogi Adityanath government till recently, launched a blistering attack on the Uttar Pradesh while speaking at India TV's Chunav Manch in Lucknow. "Yogiji insan to ban nahi paye, bhagwan banne ki koshish kar rhe. Yogi dhokha hai. Aap Yogi nahi dhongi hain,"Maurya said, adding that losers are joining the BJP.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does exactly the opposite of what it promises. The party is trying to disturb the reservation system currently in place. I have always raised my voice is support of Dalit cause and will continue to do so, says Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya

Statements like '80-20' divides the society as well as the nation. 54% backwards do not belong to the Hindu caste? In reality, BJP is neither with 80 nor with 20, says Swami Prasad Maurya, who recently joined the Samajwadi Party after leaving the BJP

Aparna Yadav said that she is very goal-oriented. For this election, I can say that "we (BJP) will fight like Hanuman and win like Ram". 

Aparna Yadav said that she will contest polls from Karhal if the party asks her. Notably, SP national president Akhilesh is contesting polls from the Karhal seat in the Mainpuri district. Aparna is married to Prateek Yadav, the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav's second wife Sadhna Gupta, while Akhilesh Yadav is his son from the first marriage.

Replying to a question on uncle Shivpal Yadav's remark that Aparna should have been with the family, she said, "I dont know why chachaji said this. But if he really believes in this then he should'nt have made his own party."

Aparna Yadav heaped praise on the Modi government at the Centre and Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. She said that the BJP has done what could not be done in 15 years.

Aparna Yadav said that she doesn't have aspirations to get a ticket from the BJP to contest polls. I will follow whatever the party leadership decides for me. She had contested the 2017 assembly polls on the Samajwadi Party ticket from Lucknow Cantt but had lost to BJP's Rita Bahuguna Joshi, now a Lok Sabha member.

Aparna Yadav said that her father-in-law, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is happy with my decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Aparna is the younger daughter-in-law of Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. 

Aparna Yadav said the nation's interest has always been a priority for her and praised several schemes of the BJP government for cleanliness, woman empowerment and employment. 

BJP leader Aparna Yadav charged that the Opposition is trying to divide India, not the BJP. He said that the BJP's principle is 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' 

Aparna Yadav said she was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership vision. "The nation's interest has always been a priority for her," she said. 

Aparna Yadav begins her speech by reciting a Ram doha at India TV's Chunav Manch. She said, "Those who do not talk about Ram will be perished." 

Samajwadi Party leader Abhishek Mishra categorically rejected allegations that offers were made to BJP ministers and leaders. Scores of leaders from the ruling party joined the SP in the last one month.

SP leader Abhishek Mishra questioned Home Minister Amit Shah's meeting with Jats in Delhi. 

BJP leader Subrat Pathak said that the opposition parties will fail again in Uttar Pradesh. He said that their defeat is certain, adding that after March 10, the day result will be announced, will start claiming that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were hacked. 

Uttar Pradesh Law Minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday said that BJP is a party for all communities. He added that the top brass of the saffron party is inclusive of all communities in the poll-bound state. Speaking at India TV's election conclave 'Chunav Manch' in Lucknow, the Law Minister also dismissed claims about Brahmin voters in UP being angry at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state. He said that the party is the country's only hope to save the cultural heritage of India. READ FULL STORY 

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Saturday said that his party will be the kingmaker in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Speaking at India TV's Chunav Manch, Om Prakash Rajbhar said that he will win at least 14 seats in the polls. "Have played kingmaker in past, will do it again," Rajbhar said and vowed to make Akhilesh Yadav's next chief minister in the state. READ FULL STORY

BJP MP Subrat Pathak took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remark that Lord Krishna comes to his dreams every night to "tell me that I will form the government and establish Ram Rajya in Uttar Pradesh".

Subrat Pathak accused the Samajwadi Party of protecting criminals when it was in power. He said that the SP has fielded criminals in the assembly elections. He added that the criminals have taken back seats in Uttar Pradesh after BJP formed the government in 2017. 

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said that despite the notion that Muslims don't vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it got six per cent vote of the community in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. "Muslim vote bank for the BJP from 2014 to 2019 didn't increase. On the other hand, the vote percentage of other caste and communities increased. Muslims vote for BJP because of Stockholm syndrome," Owaisi said. READ FULL STORY 

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abhishek Mishra charged that the government will not construct Ram Mandir before 2024. He said that Mandir will be inaugurated ahead of the general elections. 

BJP MP Subrat Pathak attacked the Samajwadi Party as he sought to remind that the SP had backed Congress' 2007 affidavit in Supreme Court wherein it said there is 'no historical proof of Ram's existence'. The Samajwadi Party has adopted double standards, he said. 

Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abhishek Mishra said that the BJP doesn't consider Parshuram as a god, but as a Mahapurush (eminent personality). The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier cancelled public holidays including the Parshuram Jayanti.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Kannauj, Subrat Pathak said that the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a big achievement. Subrat Pathak had defeated SP chief Akhilesh's wife Dimple Yadav from Kannauj in the general elections.

Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Mohsin Raza on Saturday mocked Congress' election campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state and questioned whether there was any presence of the grand old party in the state. Speaking during a session at India TV's special election conclave 'Chunav Manch' in Lucknow, Raza said Congress was nowhere to be seen, however, he was countered by Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi. READ FULL STORY 

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait demanded from the government to consider 1968 as the base year to fix the prices of crops.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Saturday sang praises of his party and its developmental efforts in Uttar Pradesh, as he spoke to India TV at Chunav Manch 2022. He boasted about crime graph on a decline under BJP's rule in UP. "Criminals are firmly dealt with in UP now, unlike Samajwadi Party that still hands election tickets to them," he said. READ FULL STORY 

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said that the Samajwadi Party-led alliance will get absolute majority in the UP polls and form the government.

Om Prakash Rajbhar attacked the BJP over rising LPG prices. "A cylinder now costs Rs 1000. Poor people are unable to buy a cylinder," he said.

To a question on Mayawati, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said, "We wanted to form the government with Mayawati. Mayawati had said that she has done damage."

Om Prakash Rajbhar pressed for a caste census. He alleged that the BJP is against caste census, but caste census will be done in the state after Akhilesh Yadav becomes the Chief Minister. 

Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar had resigned from the Yogi Adityanath government in 2019. He had contested 2017 Assembly polls in an alliance with the BJP.

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said that he is not scared of ED and CBI. He said this while referring to the recent raids in Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties have been saying that the Centre is misusing agencies to target political opponents. 

I had said that two-dozen BJP MLAs will quit, OP Rajbhar said, adding that "BJP then didn't take my words seriously". People are angry with the saffron party, he claimed. 

Rajbhar said that people in Uttar Pradesh are with the SP-led alliance as the BJP had snatched away their rights. Rajbhar's Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party is fighting the polls in alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.

Om Prakash Rajbhar said that Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party will win at least 14 seats in the polls. "Have played kingmaker in past, will do it again," he said and vowed to make Akhilesh CM. Rajbhar had contested 2017 polls as a constituent of the NDA. He quit the alliance later and sided with the SP. 

The Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has said that the BJP had no respect for backwards and had committed atrocities. 

Om Prakash Rajbhar exuded confidence that Akhilesh Yadav will dethrone the BJP. Akhilesh Yadav will become the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he said.

Paty that secured the votes of OBC formed the government in Uttar Pradesh, said Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar. He is contesting as a constituent of the Samajwadi Party-led alliance.

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said 38 per cent of voters in Uttar Pradesh are backwards.

Pathak said that after the BJP formed the government in 2017, criminals started taking a back seat. CM Yogi Adityanath deserves credit for this, he said. 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday participated in India TV's Chunav Manch ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. With less than 2 weeks left for the high-stakes assembly polls, Owaisi said that the fight between both Yogi Adityanath and Akhilesh Yadav is to prove who is a bigger Hindu than PM Modi. The AIMIM president said that elections in Uttar Pradesh are not going to be a bipolar contest adding that there is anti-incumbency against the Yogi Adityanath's government. CLICK HERE READ MORE

Brajesh Pathak also took a jibe at the opposition leaders for questioning the authenticity of EVMs. When people vote against them, they start blaming EVM, but when they win in Punjab, EVM becomes good for them, he said.

UP Minister Pathak said that the Central government agencies conducting raids have nothing to do with elections. He said this while responding to the Opposition's charge that the government is misusing agencies to target opposition leaders. 

https://twitter.com/indiatvnews/status/1487369457492459521

UP Law Minister Brajesh Pathak said that kidnapping was prevalent in Uttar Pradesh during the SP rule.

Brajesh Pathak also attacked the SP over Lord Parashuram. He said that the axe of Lord Parashuram had fallen down. "You will not see SP after 2022," he said.

Speaking about Mission Shakti, Pathak said that the government has just launched the third phase of Mission Shakti. It is the UP government’s flagship programme aimed at promoting the security, dignity and empowerment of women. The first phase was launched in October last year.

BJP leader and UP minister Brajesh Pathak said that the Samajwadi Party has fielded criminals in the polls. The SP protected them when it was in power and now it has given them tickets to contest polls. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav headed the Samajwadi Party government between 2012 and 2017.

The BJP government ended the goonda raj, mafia raj in 5 years Uttar Pradesh in Uttar Pradesh. We have taken action against those disturbing peace and communal harmony. Remember, the Samajwadi government had withdrawn terror cases. 

The incident that happened in Lakhimpur Kheri is unfortunate. The government took action in the case. What action Samajwadi Party government had taken against Gayatri Prajapati? He was removed from the minister's post and within 15 days he was reinstated.

Attacking the Samajwadi Party, Brajesh Pathak said that "khali plot hamara" (emply plot is our) is the slogan of the SP. During SP rule, goons were given a free hand and roaming freely with AK47.

Brajesh Pathak said that the Yogi Aditaynath has strengthened the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. There is a rule of law in Uttar Pradesh. We have sent criminals to jail, he said. 

Brajesh Pathak attacked the previous Samajwadi Party government, saying Brahmins were in a poor state before BJP formed the government. He said that Brahmins are not with the SP.

UP Minister Brajesh Pathak said that people are happy with the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He added that Brahmins are satisfied with the Adityanath government. He said that BJP leaders keep meeting Brahmins and that the four-member committee constituted recently is not a new thing. "The BJP has worked towards the welfare of Brahmins," he said. 

BJP leader Brajesh Pathak also heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision for Uttar Pradesh. He also talked about the Kashi Vishwanath corridor that was inaugurated by PM Modi recently. 

BJP leader and UP minister Brajesh Pathak said that the BJP is the only party that has taken out culture along. He said that Brahmins in Uttar Pradesh are with the BJP. 

Samajwadi Party leader Manoj Pandey attacks BJP over rising LPG prices. "A cylinder now costs Rs 1000. Poor people are unable to buy a cylinder," he said.

BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia said that criminals in Uttar Pradesh are today scared of the police. The BJP government has dealt with the criminals with firm hand.

Our party does not motivate the youth into violence, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Saturday. Speaking at India TV's election conclave 'Chunav Manch' in Lucknow, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief asserted that the party motivates people to fight for their democratic rights. Commenting on hate speech by leaders in Haridwar and Raipur, in context with Rohingyas and Muslims, Owaisi questioned why there was no action against those who incited people from the stage during the Dharm Sansad at Raipur and Haridwar. Such leaders should have been arrested immediately. READ FULL STORY

The BJP is known for presenting wrong data. It is doing the same in UP. Unemployment rate has skyrocketed in the state. Condition of farmers is there for everyone to be seen. Diesel rates are at all time high badly affecting our farmers, says Manoj Pandey of Samajwadi Party

Unemployement rate in Uttar Pradesh is one of the lowest among other states. Nearly 4.5 lakh people were given govt jobs. This has happened due to the hard work of Yogi Adityanath government and people's faith in him, says Gaurav Bhatia 

Speaking at India TV's Chunav Manch 2022 on Saturday, Anupriya Patel said that the people of Uttar Pradesh have faith in the NDA. In today's circumstances, the NDA will register a 'bumper win'. "NDA will achieve a jaandar, shaandaar and zabardast victory in UP elections," Anupriya Patel said. READ FULL STORY

Hathras, Jhansi etc there are several incidents that show how the Yogi government works. This government is incensitive to say the least, says Samajwadi Party leader Gaurav Pandey at India TV Chunav Manch

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had recently said that the upcoming assembly elections in the state will be an 80 per cent vs 20 per cent tussle. The Opposition claimed that the UP chief minister remark was a clear attempt to polarise the polls. However, speaking at India TV Chunav Manch on Saturday in Lucknow, Adityanath's cabinet colleague Mohsin Raza sought to clarify over the statement. Raza claimed that 80 per cent of people are in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the remaining 20 per cent are those who are opposed to development. "Those 80 per cent are upset with the 20 per cent. We have had the support of 80 per cent previously as well," Raza said. READ FULL STORY

Data shows that rape cases have declined in the state ever since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh. Crime graph has also declined. Even murder cases have declined. Law and order has improved considerably in Uttar Pradesh, says Gaurva Bhatia

Samajwadi Party is now talking about safeguarding the interests of farmers, why is silent on cases filed against Azam Khan for usurping land of farmers, says BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia

The BJP promised to double the income of farmers. What happened to that promise? Sugarcane farmers are still awaiting their payments, says Samajwadi Party leader Manoj Pandey

Keeping the promises of waiving off loans on farmers, BJP's national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claims that the Yogi government has waived off loans worth Rs 36000 crore.

Apna Dal chief and Union Minister Anupriya Patel on Saturday said the party and its strength is not affected by political leaders joining or exiting. Making reference to Swami Prasad Maurya and Om Prakash Rajbhar, Anupriya Patel, speaking at India TV's Chunav Manch today said, Apna Dal has always been a strong political party and our strength lies in the hard work we have done for years. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Uttar Pradesh BJP President Swatantra Dev Singh on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party works for the poor and the entire state of Uttar Pradesh today is enjoying the benefits provided by the party. Speaking on India TV's Chunav Manch, Swatantra Dev Singh today said the BJP government has worked upon improving the law and order situation of the state. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday launched a scathing attack at CM Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleging that both the leaders are trying to prove who is a bigger Hindu than PM Modi. Speaking at India TV's Chunav Manch 2022, Asaduddin Owaisi said that the fight between Yogi and Akhilesh is to prove who is a bigger Hindu than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

BJP leader Mohsin Raja said that the Adityanath government was sensitive towards villages, poor, farmers, youth and women. He said that people of UP have no expectations from the Opposition parties. The BJP jailed criminals and rioters, he said.

BJP leader Mohsin Raja said that the saffron party will form the next government with 300+ seats in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP in 2017 polls won 312 seats and formed the government under Adityanath's leadership.

Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi said that the grand old party is fighting firmly on the ground.

Responding to Imran's charge, BJP leader Mohsin Raja said that Congress is nowhere in the state. "I cannot see the Congress party in the race," he said. The Congress party had in 2017 polls contested elections in an alliance with the SP. The party had won only 7 seats.

Imran Pratapgarhi said that while the Congress is in the poll fray talking about the development, security of women and other issues, the BJP leaders are busy in doing politics of religion. He said that the BJP government in UP is scared of the popularity and support Priyanka Gandhi is getting from the public. 

Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi slammed the BJP government, saying the saffron party's objective is to divide society on the basis of religion. 

Mohsin Raja said that 80 per cent of people are with the Modi government. "20% are those who create obstruction in development," he said.

BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Mohsin Raja on Saturday heaped praise on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying he has taken the state to new heights of development in the last five years. 

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP government, Tikait said that it has done no welfare work and has only been trying to give lies to the people.

Tikait also took a jibe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's door-to-door campaign in Uttar Pradesh. He said that BJP leaders are still using their old model... "people understand their politics".  

Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said that BJP's old model of Hindu-Muslim and Jinnah rhetoric will not work in Uttar Pradesh. "People want a new model... development model, hospitals, schools..," he said. 

Tikait said that the Bharatiya Kisan Union will hold a meeting on January 31. He said that the government didn't fulfil its promise of a committee on MSP. He threatened to begin agitation again if farmers' demands are not met.

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait said that the Swaminathan Commission's report should be implemented. He said that farmers are not able to sell their produce at MSP.

Rakesh Tikait said that farmers are today forced to sell their produce at low price. They are not getting MSP for their produce.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said that there is no need to tell whom people should vote after 13 months, a reference to the farmers' protest against the Modi government's three farm laws. "Our 13-month-long protest has conveyed message whom to vote," he said.

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh said farmers are happy with BJP. The government has taken several initiatives to make the life of farmers easy. He said that farmers will overwhelmingly vote in favour of Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath.

Swatantra Dev Singh took a jibe at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remark that Lord Krishna comes to his dreams every night to "tell me that I will form the government and establish Ram Rajya in Uttar Pradesh".

Swatantra Dev Singh rejected Akhilesh's charge that his helicopter was not allowed to take off from Delhi for Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar yesterday at BJP's behest. "Stopping yatra... this is SP' tactics, not the BJP," he said. 

Swatantra Dev Singh exuded confidence that the BJP will form the government for another term in Uttar Pradesh. He said that the BJP will win more than 300 seats. The saffron party had bagged 312 of the 403 Legislative Assembly seats in 2017.

Swatantra Dev Singh said that the government's schemes and programmes for the benefit of the poor today reach the bottom. Women today feel safe under Adityanath's leadership. The state has seen a sharp decline in cases of crime against women. 

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh accused Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav of insulting Sardar Patel. He talks about Jinnah on Patel Jayanti. People will not forgive such leaders and teach them a befitting lesson. Akhilesh Yadav is facing criticism from the BJP leaders for his comments wherein he called Pakistan a 'political enemy'. 

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh said that the politics of polarisation is Akhilesh Yadav's work and not the saffron party. He said that Akhilesh is doing appeasement merely to serve political interest. 

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh also said that the BJP government cleared the dues of sugarcane farmers and exuded confidence that Jats will choose the BJP over the SP-RLD alliance.

Swatantra Dev Singh said that the Jats in western Uttar Pradesh are with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), not RLD's Jayant Chaudhary. Recently, senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah had reached out the Jat community of Western Uttar Pradesh who are considered as a kingmaker in the state's politics. 

Swatantra Dev Singh said that the BJP will return to power in Uttar Pradesh by winning more than 300 seats. The BJP has set a target of winning more than 300 seats in the upcoming polls. The saffron party had bagged 312 of the 403 Legislative Assembly seats in 2017.

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh on Friday said that there is a rule of law in the state under the Yogi Adityanath government. He said that people are today getting benefits of the 'Garib Kalyan' yojana.  

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday slammed BJP's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' slogan. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing fraud. 

On violence in Prayagraj, she said, "We strongly criticise what happened in Allahabad. We have raised the issue with the government as well. Action has also been taken against the policemen involved in the incident."

Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel slammed Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's 'ladki hoon...' campaign in the state. She accused her of having double standards.

Anupriya Patel said that Apna Dal doesn't get influenced by other parties' ideologies. Responding to a question, she said, "We are against politicizing religion. Religion is a matter of faith."

Anupriya Patel said that the Apna Dal has always raised the problems of backwards and worked for their upliftment. She said that the party talked about teachers' recruitment... favoured reservation for the marginalised section.

Anupriya Patel said that Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar's exit from the NDA will not impact the alliance's prospects in the UP polls. She said that people understand the politics of such people who switch parties ahead of polls. 

Anupriya Patel ​said that there is a positive wave in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh. "Apna Dal contested last three elections as a constituent of the BJP-led NDA. This is the fourth election. There is a positive wave for BJP-led alliance in UP," she said. 

Apna Dal (Sonelal) leader and Union Minister Anupriya Patel said that the people of Uttar Pradesh have faith in the NDA. In today's circumstances, the NDA will register a 'bumper win' in the Uttar Pradesh polls. 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also took a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his handling of COVID-19 during the second wave in that state. He said that people will remember it and will cast their vote against the BJP in the polls. "The way the Yogi government went missing during the second wave leaving the Uttar Pradesh public on their own. Dead bodies were floating in rivers..." he said.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the silence of politicians over Haridwar dharma sansad in December 2021 where inflammatory speeches were made by religious leaders. 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed BJP and Samajwadi Party as he taunted both the parties saying they have a 'washing machine' that whitewashes the purported crimes of leaders and converts them into popular politicians with a clean image.

When asked whether the AIMIM will join the ranks with the SP post-polls in Uttar Pradesh, Owaisi said that he had earlier made it clear that the party is ready for an alliance with anyone except the BJP and Congress. Owaisi is hopeful of emerging as a kingmaker in the politically significant state.

Owaisi said that he was unfazed by the criticism from parties who brand him as a vote-cutter and helping the BJP in polls. He said that the SP lost its ground in Uttar Pradesh in the last three elections (2014 and 2017 general elections and 2017 Assembly polls). When asked about Muslim votes, Owaisi said that 6 per cent of Muslim voters voted in favour of the BJP. 

Owaisi lashed out at the BJP, Congress and Samajwadi Party for their approach towards Muslims. He held the successive governments of the Congress, SP, BSP and BJP for the poor state of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. The fact is that none of the governments did anything for Muslims and such claims of appeasement are being made merely to serve the political interest. 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised Union Minister Amit Shah over his door-to-door campaign. He asked why Shah didn't visit the farmers who lost their lives in the protest. Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "The chowkidar is sleeping in Delhi".

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav for his approach towards Muslims and handling their issues. He said that the SP-RLD didn't field any Muslim candidates from Muzaffarnagar.

Asaduddin Owaisi also raked up the Ayodhya verdict. He questioned the Modi government, saying why the government didn't appeal against the judgment. "Who demolished (Babri) masjid?" he asked. 

Asaduddin Owaisi said that unemployment is among various issues that the BJP is facing in the run up to the polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Owaisi also attacked CM Yogi Adityanath over Jinnah politics. He said that the Chief Minister takes the name of Jinnah more than us. 

The AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that Muslims in India rejected the ideology of (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah. Pakistan and Jinnah have once again taken centrestage in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh after Akhilesh Yadav in an interview called Pakistan a "political enemy" which is targeted by the BJP for "vote politics". 

To a question about Akhilesh Yadav's leadership, Owaisi said that the Samajwadi Party leader is the weakest Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh. 

Asaduddin Owaisi then talked about the Haridwar dharma sansad. He accused the BJP of trying to destroy communal harmony. He said that BJP leaders are encouraging people who are spreading hatred in name of religion.

Owaisi also talked abut the Citizenship Amendment Act. He said that 24 Muslims were shot dead for protesting against the CAA.

Owaisi said that Muslims are marginalized. Owaisi emphasised the importance of Muslim leadership in that state and underscored the socio-economic and political conditions of the minorities.

Replying to a question, Asaduddin Owaisi said that the Uttar Pradesh poll is not bipolar. Owaisi has formed the 'Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha' in Uttar Pradesh. The Morcha has smaller parties and independent candidates. The AIMIM is contesting 100 of the total 403 seats. Muslims comprise 19 per cent of the total population of UP and a substantial majority of the 100 seats the AIMIM is contesting have a sizeable Muslim populace. 

AIMIM chief said that the party is working for the upliftment of the poor. He rejected charges of appeasement politics and counted that the party has fielded Brahmin candidates as well. He said that the AIMIM has stitched up alliances with smaller parties and others to uplift the marginalized.

Asaduddin Owaisi said that people are angry with the BJP government and there is a wave for change. "There is anti-incumbency against BJP in Uttar Pradesh," he said, adding that the BJP will not return to power.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that the 'Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha' will serve the people of Uttar Pradesh by taking everyone along. AIMIM, the Hyderabad-based party, has entered into an alliance with smaller parties for the UP Assembly election which goes under the banner of 'Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha'. 

Senior BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday attacked SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying "you neither like the vaccine (tika) of Covid nor tilak on the forehead".

The BJP had in 2017 pulled off a stunning win, bagging 312 of 403 Legislative Assembly seats. The ruling Samajwadi Party had secured 47 seats and the Congress won just seven. The BSP had pocketed 19 seats.

Bhim Army's Chandra Shekhar will contest polls against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Gorakhpur Sadar. Adityanath is running for MLA for the first time. Gorakhpur Sadar is considered to be his stronghold. Adityanath won parliamentary elections for a record five terms since 1998 from Gorakhpur. He had to resign in 2017 after he was made the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was then elected to the Legislative Council. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is predicted to return to power for a second consecutive term in Uttar Pradesh with a brute majority, according to an Opinion Poll by Ground Zero Research. The ruling saffron party will likely get 230-235 seats in the Legislative Assembly that has 403 seats. The Samajwadi Party-led alliance will win 160-165 seats while the Congress and BSP will get a thin share of 3 to 7 and 2 to 5 seats in the House, respectively, the data shows. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Top leaders including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel, UP BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, UP ministers Mohsin Raza, Brajesh Pathak, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, BJP leader Aparna Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to speak at India TV's conclave, Chunav Manch.

As the political temperatures soar in Uttar Pradesh, people of the state have several queries of their own and the biggest question is whether Yogi Adityanath will retain power? Can Akhilesh or Mayawati grab the CM's chair again? These and many such questions will be answered during India TV Chunav Manch where political leaders will debate, discuss and present their views on UP Elections 2022. Chunav Manch will be aired live from Lucknow on India TV throughout the day today from 11 am.