Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 5 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has alleged that the Congress party and its allies in the INDIA bloc used billionaire George Soros’s money to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Sharpening his attack, CM Adityanath called the alleged involvement of foreign funds an act of ‘deshdroh’ (treason).

In an exclusive interview with ANI, CM Yogi stated, ‘They did propaganda and they had not only spread propaganda, but foreign money was also involved in it. George Soros had long ago announced it... I am saying that foreign money was involved in the Lok Sabha elections throughout the country in which Congress and other parties of the INDIA bloc were directly or indirectly involved, and through that, they tried to influence the elections. This falls in the category of deshdroh (treason).’

He also commented on the recent controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra. Criticising him, the Chief Minister said that some people misuse freedom of speech to create division in the country.

‘The freedom of expression cannot be used to attack. It is unfortunate that some people considered the freedom of speech as their birthright to divide the country and further deepen divisions,’ Adityanath said.

Taking aim at the Congress over the four per cent minority reservation quota introduced in Karnataka, the Chief Minister said it violated the principles of the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

‘The reservation on the basis of religion by the Karnataka government is an insult to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Constitution. What all wrong did they not do to the Constitution in 1976?’ he said.

Referring to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, he added, ‘DK Shivakumar is saying exactly what he has inherited from Congress’s legacy.’

When asked about his reputed ‘dabang’ style of governance, CM Yogi replied, ‘This lathi not only safeguards our sisters, daughters, businessmen but also deals with mafia and goons. Yeh humara dabang style nahi, yeh humari sharafat ka style hai.'

The ANI Podcast with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath features him in a freewheeling chat where he shares his views on several current issues and controversies. The podcast will be simulcast to ANI subscribers at 10 am on Wednesday, while ANI Wire subscribers will receive a text feed of the podcast at 9 am on the ANI Wire Portal.

(ANI)