'If you can't transform it into Kyoto...': Ahead of PM Modi's visit to Varanasi, Akhilesh Yadav targets UP govt over dogs roaming in BHU hospital

On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav shared photographs of stray dogs roaming inside Varanasi's Sir Sunderlal Hospital (SSH-BHU) and took a jibe at the Yogi Adityanath government, saying if "you cannot transform Varanasi into Kyoto, at least make it dog-free".

Sharing pictures on his X handle, the former chief minister said, "If you cannot transform it into a 'Kyoto,' at least make it dog-free ('kukurmukt'). At the very least, please ensure the improvement of the main hospital in the prime (minister's) parliamentary constituency".

"And if there is no collision within the 'Double Engine', then speak to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, properly inquire the well-being of the UP's health minister, arrange for a full medical check-up and appropriate treatment to address his current deplorable state and send him home to rest forever. In other words, grant him a permanent leave from his ministerial duties," Yadav said in a veiled message to the prime minister.

His remarks came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to his Parliamentary constituency Varanasi beginning Tuesday.

The Samajwadi Party leader was apparently referencing to an agreement signed in the year 2014, aiming to develop Varanasi by using the experience of the Japanese city Kyoto. The MoU provided for cooperation in heritage conservation, city modernisation and cooperation in the fields of art, culture and academics.

Referring to the BJP's 'Double Engine' slogan, Yadav questioned whether there is any clash between the state and the central leadership.

"Could it be that this is some sort of 'double ploy' by the 'double engine' while they clash amongst themselves, aimed at tarnishing your reputation?" the SP chief added.