Yogi Adityanath Challenges Akhilesh Yadav to Contest from Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath challenged Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to contest an election from Ayodhya during a rally in Balrampur, while targeting the Opposition over law and order, corruption and Rajya Sabha nominations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath challenged Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to contest an election from Ayodhya during a public meeting in Balrampur on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Responding to Yadav’s remarks, Adityanath invited him to file his nomination from the temple town, saying he would do the same. He described Ayodhya as a sacred place of faith and stressed that his government’s focus was on development rather than electoral politics.
Adityanath also attacked previous governments over alleged lawlessness, land grabbing and poor infrastructure. He claimed that mafia activity had affected traders and property owners under earlier administrations, while asserting that Uttar Pradesh had made progress since 2017.
The Chief Minister said voting could transform a region’s future, arguing that Balrampur was moving towards greater development and opportunity.
He also criticised the Samajwadi Party over its Rajya Sabha nominations, alleging that the party had failed to nominate a Dalit candidate. He accused the leadership of prioritising family interests and questioned its PDA slogan.
Adityanath further targeted the Congress and its allies over their positions on temple projects, alleged corruption and their criticism of electronic voting machines after electoral defeats.
His remarks intensified the political exchange between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, with Ayodhya once again emerging as a focal point in Uttar Pradesh’s political debate.
