'Thankful that we can visit Gorakhpur without visa': Azad's swipe at Ravi Kishan's 'Spain' remark

Gorakhpur: Azad Samaj Party President and MP, Chandrashekhar Azad on Tuesday took a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan, over his 'Gorakhpur feels like Spain' remark, saying that he is thankful that the city can be visited "without visa".

Moreover, he criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, for not solving the district's civic issues.

Chandrashekhar Azad was on his way to the Madhuban Lok Sabha constituency for a scheduled event.

Speaking to reporters, the Azad Samaj Party chief said: "I feel extremely proud. Earlier, Nepal was the only country we could visit without a visa or passport. But now, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the people here are being told that Gorakhpur has become Spain...When I came here, I thought I might need a visa to enter Spain but thankfully no such thing was needed here."

Referring to AIIMS Gorakhpur, he said: "According to my information despite the hospital having six gates, only one is functional. A few days back there was news that a patient lost his life as a longer route was taken to bring him (from the only functional gate). Every minute is precious in emergency cases but given the situation here, it seems this place has tuned into Spain only in name as the government is used to changing names."

Mentioning that he stayed in Gorakhpur four years back, the Azad Samaj Party chief said: "The situation here is the same as it was four years back. The problem of waterlogging still persists, bringing lives to a standstill. People are still struggling with issues of hygiene and cleanliness."

He said it is "extremely concerning" that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath couldn't change the situation here despite having "ample of funds".

"It seems he (CM Yogi) is upset with the people of Gorakhpur because of which he wants to keep them drowned in water," Azad remarked.

While acknowledging that the construction of an airport in Gorakhpur has made travel easier, he again took a dig, saying: "I don't know whether the airport will be named after Spain or some British ruler."

Further, the Lok Sabha MP said that he is concerned about the people of Uttar Pradesh, where young people are migrating in search of jobs due to unemployment.

"Paper leaks continue to occur, and those raising their voices against injustice are being prevented from protesting. The poor condition of education and declining standards are also before us. I also want to ask whether the mafia rule has ended in Uttar Pradesh? If it has, will the Chief Minister or the DGP take responsibility for the murder of Ankit Balyan?," he asked.

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