NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement mentioning the name of Kerala on the day of the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh, has stoked a controversy. Yogi said that if the voters make a mistake, UP will become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal and asked to vote for the BJP to ensure a fearless life. The video was shared on Uttar Pradesh BJP's official Twitter account.

Yogi said that many great things happened in these five years and if you make a mistake, five years of hard work will be ruined and if that happens, it will not take long for Uttar Pradesh to become Kerala, Kashmir or Bengal.

Yogi added in the six-minute video that your vote is a blessing for my five years of effort and that your vote is also a guarantee of a fearless life and that it is time for a bigger decision.

He started saying that he is here not to ask for your votes but spoke about the achievements of his government. In the past five years, the BJP's twin-engine government has done everything with dedication and commitment. You have seen everything and heard everything in detail.

A lot has happened in five years, for the first time 24 hours electricity has reached every house in all villages, bathrooms were built for cleanliness and the dignity of women, strong houses were built, pipe water reached houses and expressways were constructed, the chief minister said.