TMC MP Sultan Ahmed defends Yogi Adityanath's elevation

KOLKATA: Denouncing criticism of Yogi Adityanath's elevation to the post of UP Chief Minister, a Trinamool Congress MP today said in democracy both Yogi and Maulvi have the right to hold political and constitutional office if democratically elected.

"It is wrong to criticize Yogi Adityanath's elevation to the post of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Other political parties can't criticize his elevation as he has been democratically chosen by the elected BJP MLAs. BJP has got the majority and it is their prerogative to decide who will be the Chief Minister," senior TMC Vice President and MP Sultan Ahmed told.

When asked to comment on allegations of Yogi Adityanath being a polarizing figure, Ahmed said," He is a five time MP. He has been elected by BJP MLAs. In democracy be it a Maulvi or a Yogi, everybody has the right to hold political and constitutional office, if he or she is democratically elected. There is nothing wrong in it."

The BJP's hardline Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath yesterday took over as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with the promise of working for all sections of society without any discrimination.

44-year-old Adityanath, who was sworn-in as the 21st Chief Minister of the country's largest state, vowed to pursue the agenda of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas' (cooperation to all, development for all).

Several political parties have criticized Adityanath's elevation to the post of Chief Minister.

Ironically, TMC has been a vociferous supporter of the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh ahead of elections and had termed BJP as a "communal outfit" which reaps political dividends by dividing people on religious lines.