New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that overall perception of the state has improved along with its law and order situation.


In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath responded to many prominent allegations against him.


CM Adityanath emphasised that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not have a vote bank, it does not seek the same.


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Crime Against Women In UP


When asked about questions raised by the opposition on the Hathras case, CM Adityanath said that the incident was unfortunate, adding that the government took prompt action in this matter. He emphasised that the government sought CBI investigation into the matter.


On crime against women, he stressed that the number of cases should be seen in reference to the state's vast population.


Yogi Adityanath was asked to rank his own performance as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. He said that he has worked with absolute honesty and people across the nation are ranking him on his performance.


Emphasising his government's work in Uttar Pradesh, CM Adityanath said that the overall perception about the state has changed. The perception pertaining to anarchy, riots, and hooliganism has changed in the minds of the people. "Today I can say that perception about UP has changed. It was a dream for a state like UP to progress," he said, emphasising that UP now has good governance and progress.


"BJP does not have a vote bank, we do not seek to make any," he added.


On 80 VS 20 Remark, 'Dupatta' Amid Hijab Row


On his contentious remark of the election being about 80 against 20, he claimed that his statement is about the majority of BJP supporters and the restricted voter base for the rest of opposition parties. He cited BJP's massive victory in the previous assembly election as his clarification. 


About the statement on "Ghazwa-e-Hind", he said the dream of Ghazwa-e-Hind will not be fulfilled. He also cornered AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for opposing the legislation against Triple Talaq.


In view of the Karanataka Hijab row, when asked about the issue of women wearing 'dupatta', the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that what one chooses to wear at home or in public spaces is one's choice but the mandated dress code should be followed in schools. "No Hindu girls are wearing dupattas in school... Dress code has to be followed in schools," he added.


Does Adityanath Target Muslims?


CM Adityanath also addressed the allegation of him deliberately targetting Muslims, saying he is against those who don't follow the Indian Constitution and operate according to their own codes.


He asserted that Hindu, as well as Muslim festivals, are celebrated peacefully under her government. "Sabka Saath Sab Ka Vikas is about uniting everyone," he said.


"If professional mafia and criminals are Muslim then what can I do about that," he remarked, adding that his government takes action based on one's crime instead of an individual's identity.


He emphasised the Uttar Pradesh government's zero-tolerance policy towards crime.


On Akhilesh Yadav's 'Baba CM' Jibe, Swami Prasad Maurya's Exit


On Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav's allegation of phone tapping, Adityanath said that phone tapping is not required as Akhilesh's action are for everyone to see.


He hit out at the former UP chief minister saying that by using phrases like "Baba CM" he is showing his lack of respect for the seer community.


Talking about Swami Prasad Maurya's exit from BJP ahead of the UP election, he said that caste-minded dynastic politics will not be entertained in BJP. "If we keep giving tickets to members of same family, what will others do?" the UP CM remarked


Fighting Election From Gorakhpur Instead Of Ayodhya


Ahead of the UP Election 2022, there were speculations of Yogi Adityanath contesting from Ayodhya. However, BJP fielded from his traditional seat Gorakhpur. 


When about the same, Yogi Adityanath said that had he been connecting from Ayodhya, "people would have asked why he fled from Gorakhpur. That's why I chose the traditional seat."


He said he was always in favour of contesting from Gorakhpur and had left the decision over the same to the party.



Expressing confidence in BJP's victory in this election, he said "buldozer bhi chalega" (bulldozer will run) and welfare work will continue.


Voting for the fifth phase of Uttar Pradesh Election 2022 is underway. After this, polling in the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh will be held on March 3 and 7.


The counting of votes will take place on March 10.