In the ancient city of Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, arrived on Thursday and vehemently criticized Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent address in the Assembly. Adityanath had focused on Kashi and Mathura, where the disputed Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosque are situated.

Characterizing the BJP as an untrustworthy political entity, Yadav urged the identification of the true Kauravas and Pandavas within the nation. He remarked, “If we consider numerical supremacy, the BJP stands as the preeminent political force in the country. In such a context, who truly represents the Kauravas?”

Referring to the Mahabharata, Adityanath, in his speech, pointed out that despite Krishna’s initial demand for five villages, the present Hindu community only aspires for three significant centers—Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. Addressing the establishment of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Adityanath expressed satisfaction that Lord Ram now resides there, emphasizing action over mere rhetoric. “We embody our words; we don’t merely speak,” declared Adityanath.

Arriving at Varanasi Airport in his private aircraft, the SP supremo later visited the residence of Vishambharnath Mishra from Sankat Mochan Temple. There, he extended condolences for the loss of Mishra’s mother. Mishra, a lecturer in electronics engineering at Banaras Hindu University’s Institute of Technology, also serves as a priest at the Sankat Mochan temple.

Accusing the BJP of leveraging the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies to target the opposition and undermine the federal structure of the country, Yadav expressed concern. When questioned about Varun Gandhi’s purported entry into the INDIA bloc, Yadav remained reticent, claiming ignorance on the matter.