Love jihad, Kairana exodus remain key issues for BJP: Yogi Adityanath

BJP firebrand MP Yogi Adityanath sought to play a religious card on Friday amid the high-temperature electioneering season by saying that the alleged exodus of Hindus from Kairana and love jihad were important issues for the party.

Directly referring to Kashmir, he said, BJP will not let Western Uttar Pradesh turn into another Kashmir, a reference to the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the 1990s.

“Issues like Hindu exodus from Kairana, love jihad and women's safety will dominate the poll scene," he said at an event organised by a news channel here.

“Yogi is not talking about today, Yogi is talking about future. Exodus is a very big issue for us,” he said, adding, “BJP will not let western Uttar Pradesh turn into another Kashmir.”

“Love jihad was then an issue and it is still an issue,” he added.

When asked about the agenda of his anti-Romeo squads, the controversial leader said the force will work towards restoring pride of women and ending discriminations.

With PTI Inputs

“There are areas in western UP where girls can't go to school. The squad will work for their rights and ensure safety of women in the state,” he said.