Priyanka Chaturvedi slams Yogi Adityanath over 'land jihad' remark
Synopsis
Yogi Adityanath invoked Ramayana mythology to coin a 'land jihad' charge at a religious event — and the opposition pounced. Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Priyanka Chaturvedi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav both fired back, demanding a development reckoning after nearly a decade of Adityanath's rule, as UP's next election cycle draws closer.
Key Takeaways
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on 10 June criticised UP CM Yogi Adityanath over his 'land jihad' remarks.
Adityanath made the remarks at the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav on Tuesday , drawing parallels with Ramayana-era figures.
Chaturvedi questioned Adityanath's development record, citing nearly 10 years in power and a third election approaching.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the remarks inappropriate and flagged land registrations in Gorakhpur .
Critics argue the rhetoric reflects an electoral strategy ahead of the next Uttar Pradesh assembly election.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday, 10 June sharply criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his 'land jihad' remarks, questioning when he would deliver on development promises made to the people of the state. The remarks came a day after Adityanath invoked Ramayana-era figures while addressing a religious gathering in what has since triggered a multi-party political row.
What Adityanath Said
Speaking at the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath drew a parallel between mythological characters and what he termed 'land jihad', saying: '...After all, what were Khar-Dushan doing, what were Maricha and Subahu doing, they too were involved in 'land jihad'. Forcibly occupying. Forcibly spotting any empty land and pitching their own tent on it. All of this must stop.'
He also stated that 'the land of India cannot be a 'dharmshala' for those invaders who have no faith in India, who do not hold loyalty toward India, who cannot respect India's traditions.'
Chaturvedi's Counter
Responding to the remarks, Priyanka Chaturvedi said: 'This is the second term of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ji. It's going to be 10 years of his regime and the third election is about to be held. If he continues to do the same, us vs them, Hindu vs Muslim, land jihad, love jihad, sky jihad, hell jihad, then when will he fulfill the promises which he has made to the people of Uttar Pradesh?'
She further argued that divisive political rhetoric alone cannot address economic hardship. 'Only politics is not enough to bring food to people's houses in the state; development and developmental policies are required for that,' she said.
Chaturvedi also referenced Adityanath's earlier slogan, saying: 'We have heard everything that you have said for the past ten years like 'batenge to katenge'. Now people want to know what Uttar Pradesh has got in the past 10 years. Please give an account of that, only then people will be able to trust him (again).'
She added: 'I will reiterate that with all these remarks about 'jihad', he thinks that the country is benefitting but actually the citizens have now become more aware.'
Akhilesh Yadav Joins the Criticism
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also called the Chief Minister's remarks inappropriate. 'He does not seem to have any affection for love, but rather for land. If you check in Gorakhpur, you will find in whose names the maximum registrations have taken place. He should not be making such statements, especially in religious programmes,' Yadav said.
Notably, this is not the first time Adityanath's use of polarising phrases has drawn opposition fire. With Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on the horizon, critics argue the language reflects a deliberate electoral strategy rather than governance messaging.
Political Context
The controversy arrives as Uttar Pradesh heads toward its next assembly cycle, with opposition parties increasingly framing their challenge around development metrics — employment, infrastructure, and law and order — rather than ideological counter-narratives alone. Chaturvedi's intervention from Mumbai signals that the debate is now a national-level flashpoint, not merely a state-level one.
Point of View
Signalling that they believe voters are fatigued by the rhetoric. The real question is whether that fatigue has translated into electoral consequence yet. Nearly a decade of similar language suggests it has not cost Adityanath electorally so far — but with each cycle, the accountability demand grows louder and harder to deflect with mythology.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yogi Adityanath say about 'land jihad'?
At the Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav on Tuesday, CM Yogi Adityanath used the term 'land jihad' while drawing a parallel with Ramayana characters Khar-Dushan, Maricha, and Subahu, describing them as forcibly occupying land. He also said India's land cannot be a 'dharmshala' for those who do not hold loyalty toward India.
Why did Priyanka Chaturvedi criticise Yogi Adityanath?
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised Adityanath for focusing on divisive rhetoric rather than development, arguing that nearly 10 years into his rule — with a third election approaching — he should account for what Uttar Pradesh has achieved. She said divisive slogans alone cannot address poverty or deliver development.
What did Akhilesh Yadav say about the remarks?
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called Adityanath's remarks inappropriate, saying the CM 'does not seem to have any affection for love, but rather for land.' He also pointed to land registrations in Gorakhpur and said such statements should not be made at religious programmes.
What is the political significance of this controversy?
The row erupts as Uttar Pradesh heads toward its next assembly election cycle. Opposition parties are increasingly challenging Adityanath on governance and development metrics, and the national amplification of the debate — with leaders from Maharashtra weighing in — signals it has become a broader political flashpoint.
Has Yogi Adityanath used similar language before?
Yes, Adityanath has repeatedly used charged phrases such as 'love jihad' and 'batenge to katenge' over his tenure. Critics argue this reflects a consistent electoral strategy, while supporters contend it addresses genuine law-and-order concerns in the state.
