Lok Sabha 2024: On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Congress of wanting to impose Taliban-style governance and Sharia law across India. Speaking at a rally in Himachal Pradesh, he claimed that the party was possessed by the “soul of Aurangzeb.”

“Congress’ manifesto is akin to the Muslim League’s. They seek to enforce Sharia law and the Taliban system in India, which would prevent girls from attending school and confine women to their homes in burqas,” he stated.

Adityanath also accused the opposition of attempting to reintroduce a tax similar to the historical Jizya tax. He warned that those who follow the path of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb would be “permanently dealt with” by his bulldozer, according to ANI.

He alleged that Congress leaders have been in mourning since the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, claiming they dismissed the temple as useless. “Lord Ram now resides in his divine temple in Ayodhya. While followers of Sanatan Dharma rejoiced worldwide, Congress mourned. They declined the invitation to Ayodhya and continue to belittle the temple,” he said.

Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enhancing India’s global respect and eradicating terrorism and Naxalism. He dismissed the Congress-led INDIA bloc as a facade, questioning their ability to unite the country when they can’t unite themselves.

He criticized Congress’s promises to grant backward caste rights to Muslims, referencing past efforts by the UPA government to provide OBC reservations to Muslims. He also mocked Rahul Gandhi’s recent poverty eradication slogan as a rehash of Indira Gandhi’s 1970 “Garibi Hatao” campaign.

Adityanath highlighted his administration’s vigorous action against rioters and mafia in Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha election polling concludes on June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.