Engaged in a vitriolic war of words, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav responded to some recent remarks of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which were about “pigs” and “vultures.” Addressing media persons in Kannauj, Yadav wanted to know why the Chief Minister used the word “Giddh” (vulture) and whom the Chief Minister was abusing.
Yadav said, “Whom was he insulting with his ‘Giddh’ remark? The families who were searching for their missing relatives?” He noted that it was the Central Pollution Control Board which had raised concern over the water quality of the Ganga and not any member of his party. “So, whom is the government really referring to as ‘Suar’ (pig)?” he said.
He also described the ongoing political tension, saying, “In the fight between Lucknow and Delhi, both are insulting each other. If the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Board says the water is clean and Delhi’s board disagrees, it looks like ‘Lucknow’ is addressing ‘Delhi’ as ‘Suar.'”
A day before, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had defended the Maha Kumbh arrangements and criticized the opposition, particularly targeting the SP. He had stated, “Anti-Sanatan people have an eye only for the dirt. Vultures had only dead bodies, and pigs had dirt. Sensitive people had a beautiful picture of relationships, and devotees had blessings.”
During the ongoing Uttar Pradesh budget session, Adityanath accused the SP of attempting to defame Prayagraj. He stated, “They have tried every trick in the book to defame Prayagraj, propagating against the city. Some said thousands of people died during the Maha Kumbh, but 28,000 people were reunited with their families.”
Even as the Maha Kumbh continues to attract massive crowds of pilgrims to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, preparations are in full swing for the Mahashivratri festival on Wednesday. The Mela, which has seen record crowds, is likely to continue till February 26.
