New Delhi: A day before the state of Uttar Pradesh would undergo polling for the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, UP Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath claimed that the Saffron party would win 80 percent of the Assembly seats. "We are fighting the poll on the planks of nationalism, development and good governance," he said in an interview with the news agency IANS.
The Chief Minister launched attacks on former members of the BJP who left the party and his political rival Samajwadi Party chief Akhliesh Yadav.
"Those who have left the party are finding it difficult to secure a seat. If these people had a mass base, then they should have fought from their traditional seats, like I am contesting. All of them are leaving their seats and running," the chief minister said.
He claimed that the Samajwadi Party was no longer Samajwad (socialist) but has become 'mafiawadi', 'dangawadi' and 'parivaarwadi' (the party which supports the mafia, riots and dynastic politics).
When asked about the promise by SP of distributing free rations for the next five years, Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh has not forgotten the misgovernance of SP. A food scam occurred during SP's regime. At that time, rations meant for the poor were usurped by SP's goons. When they could not distribute regular ration, how would they distribute it for free? People have seen SP's work and its adventures. Now, nobody will be influenced by them."
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On the question of BJP not giving ticket to any muslim candidate in the state, UP CM said that hte elcetion are based on the support and trust of people. "Those who apply for a ticket are reviewed at the district and region levels and then their names are recommended to the high command. Those who are able to earn public trust are given tickets," he said.
Upon being categorically being asked if BJP will get Muslim votes, he said: "The Prime Minister has played a major role in helping Muslim women get rid of malpractices such as triple talaq. Benefits of all welfare schemes under which gas connections are provided, PM Awaas Yojana and doubling rations are being extended to Muslim families too.
"Rising above caste and religion, people have voted for the BJP in the first two phases of the polls. The trend is continuing. At a few places, fanatics are trying to stop Muslim women from casting votes. The Election Commission should take cognisance of the matter," he added.
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Responding on the question of performance by SP, BSP, and Congress in the polls, the Chief Minister claimed that BJP will win 80 percent seats while the three opposition parties are engaged in a triangular contest for the 20 percent of votes.
Uttar Pradesh will undergo third phase of State Assembly polling on Sunday while single phase polling in Punjab will also take place the same day. Counting of votes will take place on March 10.