UPDATED: Oct 12, 2026 11:24 IST
In an exclusive interview with India Today, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, stating both leaders are merely engaging in shadow boxing rather than addressing public issues. Owaisi questioned the lack of action over alleged multi-crore corruption in Sambhal and the withholding of the Special Investigation Team report. Challenging both leaders, Owaisi stated, "Yogi Adityanath contest from Sambhal, we will defeat him", and dared Akhilesh Yadav to contest from Gorakhpur. Further attacking the Samajwadi Party chief over his candidate selections and political alliances, Owaisi questioned the nomination of individuals closely associated with the ruling establishment. He also addressed discussions surrounding the INDIA alliance, stating his party talks about equality and self-respect rather than standing behind anyone without due consultation.
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