CM Yogi Adityanath Accepts SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav's Ayodhya Election Challenge, Calls For Direct Contest In Assembly Polls

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accepted Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's challenge to face each other directly in the upcoming Assembly polls, saying the election should not be fought through their respective supporters. The CM and SP chief have agreed to file their nominations from Ayodhya, setting the stage for a head-to-head contest.

Yogi asked Akhilesh to file his nomination from Ayodhya and he will do the same, urging them to settle the matter face-to-face. The SP president had challenged the chief minister on Friday, questioning his confidence despite making grand claims. The CM dismissed Akhilesh's allegations, stating that the SP leader was rattled and lacked the courage to face him directly.

Yogi clarified that his frequent visits to Ayodhya were for its development and not for electoral gains, emphasizing the sacredness of the town to him and Uttar Pradesh. The opposition parties have been criticized for their stance on development projects in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Vindhyavasini Dham, alleging hypocrisy from those who previously opposed chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'.

The chief minister accused opposition leaders of trying to create chaos under the guise of opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and threatened officials, insulted the judiciary, and incited young people after electoral setbacks.