Balrampur, Oct 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accepted Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav’s challenge to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Ayodhya, saying he was ready for a direct electoral face-off with the opposition leader.
Addressing a gathering in Balrampur during the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for several development projects, Adityanath also launched a sharp attack on the SP over its Rajya Sabha nominations, alleging that the party had prioritised family interests and financial considerations over representation for Dalits, backward communities and other social groups.
Responding to Akhilesh Yadav’s challenge, the Chief Minister said Ayodhya was a sacred place for him and that he frequently visited the temple town to review development work and ensure that Uttar Pradesh’s image remained untarnished.
“They challenged me to contest the election from Ayodhya. Well, Akhileshji, Ayodhya is our sacred abode. I visit it to ensure there is no laxity in its development and that no blemish tarnishes the identity of Uttar Pradesh,” Adityanath said.
He then issued a direct counter-challenge to the SP chief, saying, “I offer you to file your nomination from Ayodhya, and I will file mine.”
Emphasising that the political contest should involve the principal leaders rather than their representatives, Adityanath added, “Battle should be against the main adversaries rather than their ‘disciples’; the contest should be a direct face-off.”
The exchange comes amid political preparations for the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the BJP and the SP stepping up their criticism of each other.
Yogi Targets SP Over Rajya Sabha Nominations
Adityanath also questioned the SP’s choice of candidates for the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Referring to the party’s nominations, he alleged that it had failed to provide adequate representation to Dalits, backward communities and several other social groups.
The Chief Minister used the SP’s political slogan, PDA, which stands for Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak (backward classes, Dalits and minorities), to accuse the opposition party of concentrating on family interests.
“When people first asked me regarding PDA, I had replied that it stands for ‘Parivar Development Authority’ since they don't have anything else to think about other than their family,” he said.
Adityanath asked whether the SP had fielded candidates from Dalit, backward or communities such as Brahmins, Kayasthas, Vaishyas, Kshatriyas and Khatris in the Rajya Sabha elections.
“Samajwadi Party contested in two of the ten seats, of which Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Ram Gopal Yadav was fielded from one, while the second seat was sold to a ‘Dhanna seth’ (industrialist Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani),” he alleged.
The Chief Minister described the party’s approach as “Parivar Development Authority” and “Paraya Dhan Apna”, accusing it of placing personal and financial interests above broader social representation.
Ayodhya Development Becomes Political Flashpoint
Adityanath also contrasted the present condition of Ayodhya with the period when the SP was in power in Uttar Pradesh. He alleged that the city had previously suffered from inadequate electricity supply and poor sanitation.
“The place which only received three to four hours of electricity and was plagued by heaps of filth by you (Akhilesh Yadav)—now stands as an example of ‘Ram Rajya,’ evoking memories of the Treta Yuga,” he said.
The Chief Minister accused the SP of damaging the state’s development prospects and creating difficulties for young people and farmers. Referring to Balrampur, he alleged that the previous government had contributed to the district’s economic backwardness.
“That is why I say that the real meaning of PDA is ‘Pradesh Dubau Alliance’,” Adityanath said, using the phrase to accuse the SP of holding back Uttar Pradesh.
He further alleged that the opposition party had created obstacles to employment opportunities and had adopted a soft approach towards criminal elements. Referring to SP leaders who had visited the graves of alleged criminals, he said such political conduct would not find public support.
CM Reiterates NDA’s Electoral Claim
Adityanath reiterated his claim that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure 80 per cent of the seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections. He said that, irrespective of the electoral outcome, his government would ensure that Balrampur continued to receive attention in development planning.
“Even if the rest 20 per cent go to them (SP), I assure you that we will not let Balrampur lag behind in terms of development,” he said.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Congress and its alliance partners over protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He accused opposition leaders of crossing the limits of political criticism and using language that, according to him, undermined public standards of decency.
Adityanath alleged that such protests were intended to create disorder and said the NDA government would not allow attempts to spread anarchy.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, nobody will be able to mess with India's dignity,” he said, warning that those attempting to destabilise the country would face consequences.
The Balrampur address combined the Chief Minister’s challenge to Akhilesh Yadav over Ayodhya with attacks on the SP’s candidate selection, its record in government and the opposition’s protests against the Election Commission, signalling an escalation in political rhetoric ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.
