'BJP contests polls on issues of welfare, others remember Jinnah': Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday launched a veiled attack at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for playing 'Jinnah card' ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections and said, those political parties who have work are remembering Pakistan's founder while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting polls on issues of welfare of poor and development of all sections of society. 

"Our objective is welfare of poor. re are people who do t have work, do t trust mselves and have t had a chance to govern, y remember Muhammad Ali Jinnah. But we will fight elections on issues of welfare of poor, development of all and rule of law," said Pradhan while talking to media.

Recently while campaigning for Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Akhilesh Yadav had claimed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah had fought for India's independence. statement had drawn strong criticism from ruling BJP.

'Poor people are with Modiji and Yogiji'

Exuding confidence over winning elections 2022 elections, Minister also said that poor in Uttar Pradesh are supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

"People today want a rule of law in ir state. A lot has been done, be it houses for poor through PM Awaas Yojna, electricity in ir households, tap water connections in ir houses. During COVID-19 pandemic, 80 per cent of population was given free ration. In UP, oil, salt and pulses were also provided by ration. Poor people are with Modiji and Yogiji. We have a coalition of poor, backwards, consisting of all sections of society that is in favour of both leaders at Centre and state," he said. 

Dharmendra Pradhan is election in charge in UP for upcoming assembly polls, which are scheduled for next year.

Uttar Pradesh polls are most crucial among all assembly elections scheduled to be held next year in five states. Earlier this month, PM Modi had visited Sultanpur where he inaugurated Purvanchal Expressway. Later, he visited Mahoba and Jhansi for event.  Prime Minister recently participated in IG-DIG conference from across country in Luckw and also laid foundation stone for Asia's largest Jewar Airport.

(With inputs from ANI)