Lucknow, Nov. 5 -- As the Bharatiya Janata Party recasts the 'jungle raj' narrative against the Samajwadi Party in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, the question arises as to whether the principal Opposition party in the state will be able to counter the pitch.

The ruling party strategists are building a "then versus now" campaign that highlights safer streets, reduced organised crime, and investment inflows under chief minister Yogi Adityanath, aiming to neutralise the SP's caste-based PDA outreach by focusing on governance.

The BJP strategy was reflected when Adityanath called the Samajwadi Party a "shraap" (curse) on Uttar Pradesh, alleging that every time it came to power it brought crime, anarchy, riots and chaos.

Inaugurating development...