New Delhi:
Yogi Adityanath has become the chief minister of the most powerful state in India. Even as BJP MP from Gorakhpur took oath to Uttar Pradesh CM’s office, video of him crying in Parliament a decade ago went viral.
Whilst some reports praised his candid nature, others criticised him for being weak. But there is another side to Yogi Adityanath’s past story.
The firebrand leader and Hindutva mascot was once attacked by angry mob for addressing an anti-terrorism rally in Azamgargh of Uttar Pradesh in September 2008.
Watch: When Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath cried his heart out in Lok Sabha
Here is what happened on September 8, 2008 in Azamgarh:
BJP MP Yogi Adityanath was attacked by angry protesters while he was on his way to address an anti-terrorism rally in Azamgargh district of Uttar Pradesh. The attacks resulted in dead of at least person, while six others were injured.
The BJP leader from Gorakhpur was whisked to safety by his supporters as dozens of people armed with sticks attacked his convoy pelting stones at it and trying to torch the vehicles in Takia area, police sources said.
The rally was organised by BJP and Hindu Yuva Vahini to protest a meeting organised in support of SIMI activist Abdul Bashar after his arrest on August 11.
Firing from both sides also took place in which over half a dozen people were seriously injured, they said.
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Later, police reached the spot and fired tear gas shells and bullets in the air to disperse both supporters and protesters.
Official vehicles of SP Vijay Kumar Garg and Chief Development Officer were also damaged in the incident.
According to Home Department, 12 persons were arrested in this connection and heavy deployment of police force made in Azamgarh district. All schools and colleges were also closed for the next three days.
Adityanath, later addressed the rally at another venue in the city and criticised those patronising terrorists.
The rally was organised by BJP and Hindu Yuva Vahini to protest a meeting organised in support of SIMI activist Abdul Bashar after his arrest on 11th August.
Read | Yogi Adityanath's profile in Video: All about Gorakhpur's 5-time MP who became Uttar Pradesh's 21st chief minister
Calling for strict action against such elements, he said petty politics should not be played in such matters as they were related to the country‘s security.
Four days later on September 12, Mayawati Government suspended Azamgarh DIG Abhimanyu Tripathi and SP V K Garg for slack in protection of Adityanath and his convoy during his visit.
Youtube video of attack on Yogi Adityanath's motorcade by mob in Azamgarh:
