Not Ayodhya, it’s Gorakhpur for Yogi

SP chief takes jibe: BJP has already sent him ‘home.’

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday took a jibe at the BJP’s decision to field Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from the Gorakhpur constituency, saying the saffron party has already sent him home.

Gorakhpur is the hometown of Adityanath. He had been the MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat since 1998 until he became the chief minister in 2017.

The list was released by BJP’s Uttar Pradesh incharge and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi. Pradhan said Adityanath will be the BJP’s candidate from Gorakhpur city and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya from Sirathu. Both are currently members of the state’s legislative council.

Speaking to reporters, SP chief Akhilesh said, “As far as contesting elections is concerned, earlier it was said that he (Adityanath) will contest from Mathura, Prayagraj, Ayodhya or Deoband. I am happy that the BJP has already sent him home (Gorakhpur).” -(PTI)