Lucknow, April 6 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused Opposition parties of glorifying figures he described as "invaders," and likened them to modern-day mafia elements, mentioning what he described as political opponents' "soft corner" toward the historical figure, Syed Salar Masud Ghazi. He did not name any specific party.

He claimed that those "who have now been made to bite the dust" share the same ideological roots.

The chief minister was addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the renovated Bharatendu Natya Akademi complex. He unveiled upgraded facilities, including two auditoriums refurbished at a cost of Rs.22 crore. The event marked the beginning of the Akademi's golden jubilee celebrations, featuring...