Yogi cuts short Karnataka campaign, rushing back to UP

Storm in his home state forced him to cut short the campaign in Karntaka

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth, currently on an election campaign in Karnataka, is rushing back tonight to visit storm-ravaged Agra, a senior official said today.

The chief minister will arrive in Agra tonight and visit the calamity-hit areas tomorrow morning, Principal Secretary Information Avanish Awasthi said.

Adityanath was criticised yesterday by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for remaining in Karnataka even after his own state was hit by the storm.

"I am sorry your CM is needed here in Karnataka," Siddaramaiah had tweeted. "I am sure he will return soon & attend to his work there."

Adityanath will review the relief and restoration efforts in Agra district, the US official said.

The chief minister will later leave for Kanpur to monitor the relief work there and in nearby districts, Awasthi said.

A high-intensity storm-ravaged part of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Wednesday night, leaving 73 people dead and 91 injured in Adityanath's state alone.

Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for 43 deaths and injuries to 51 others.

Adityanath was earlier scheduled to campaign in poll-bound Karnataka till Saturday noon.