Jhansi: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Friday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge victorious in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) would be reduced to the status of the "Saifai Party"—a reference to SP's stronghold in Saifai, the hometown of party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
On SP Defection Rumors
Addressing rumors of several SP MLAs and MPs planning to defect to the BJP, Maurya categorically stated that the BJP does not believe in breaking any party and is not in contact with rival party members. He emphasized that such speculation is baseless.
Ram Temple Donations and SIT Investigation
When questioned about alleged financial irregularities in donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Maurya confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the matter. He assured that anyone found guilty would face appropriate punishment. Maurya also defended Ram Temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, describing him as a great and respectable devotee of Lord Ram who is wholeheartedly dedicated to the temple's construction and related works.
Response to Akhilesh Yadav's Demands
Reacting to Akhilesh Yadav's demand for an SIT investigation into the frequent visits of BJP members to Ayodhya and questions over financial irregularities in the Mathura temple, Maurya dismissed the SP chief's comments. He accused Yadav of being in the habit of posting on social media from Lucknow without substance. Maurya further labeled Akhilesh and his family as "Ram Virodhi" (anti-Ram), asserting that Ayodhya is a center of faith for millions of Hindus. He claimed that there is a conspiracy to malign Hindu culture by anti-Ram and anti-Hindu factions.
Lord Ram Belongs to All
In response to an opposition statement that Lord Ram belongs to Muslims as well, Maurya found no issue, stating, "Muslims were also Hindus earlier, and Lord Ram is the ancestor of all of us. The only difference is that we consider him as God, while they regard him as their ancestor."
Akhilesh's Kurukshetra Claim
On Akhilesh Yadav's claim that Ayodhya would prove to be the Kurukshetra for the BJP—implying the party would lose the UP polls—Maurya advised restraint, emphasizing that Ayodhya is a religious faith center for crores of Hindus. He highlighted that the construction of the Ram Temple after a 500-year wait is a matter of pride.
Shivpal Yadav's Taunt
Addressing SP veteran Shivpal Yadav's assertion that he has defeated Maurya multiple times in elections, the Deputy CM responded calmly, stating that Shivpal is a big leader and should focus on his nephew Akhilesh Yadav rather than worrying about him.
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About the Author
Arindam Ghosh, stationed in Jhansi, covers all kinds of news for the Bundelkhand region. He has a major interest in writing on topics related to health and environment, apart from the rich heritage of the region. He has attended numerous seminars and workshops on health and environment and has been able to raise related issues in this region.
