Delhi elections 2015: India following Israel model to counter Pakistan, says Yogi Adityanath

NEW DELHI: Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath, was his usual rabble-rousing self at a rally in Harkesh Nagar, an unauthorized colony opposite Apollo Hospital.

Known for his controversial statements, Adityanath illustrated India's bold stand against Pakistan and terrorism by comparing it to Israel. "Just like Israel kills hundreds of Palestinian soldiers if one of theirs dies, India is doing the same with Pakistan. If an Indian soldier is killed at least 200 Pakistani soldiers are bombarded."

He cracked down on the previous government for doling out schemes only for Muslims. He said the BJP government has made the same schemes available for Hindus. "If beautification of a graveyard happens then so will a cremation centre. If Madarsas get funds then so will Sanskrit Vidyalayas; if a Muslim girl gets scholarship then so will a Hindu girl. There has to be equality to maintain the secular fabric of India," he said.

The Yogi gave his speech under heavy security and in the presence of a bomb squad as he had claimed to have received several threats. Hundreds attended the rally held in the middle of a vegetable Mandi. Women dominated the crowd as many had stopped to attend the rally after buying vegetables.

Projecting AAP as another face of Congress, the BJP candidate from Tughlakabad, Vikram Bidhuri, said that no development took place under Congress rule. Adityanath criticized AAP for wasting one year of Delhiites and said, "These people started the India Against Corruption movement and were against all political parties. They vowed not to enter politics but later formed a party. Moreover, they took Congress' support to be in power."

The former MLA from the area and South Delhi MP, Ramesh Bidhuri, promised people cheap power and water supply. "An electric grid will be installed in Tughlakabad and people will have 24-hour power and water. Congress used to give subsidy, but we will generate our own so discoms will have to lower rates," he said.