Lucknow, Aug 25 (PTI) Congratulating local boy and IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for becoming the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station as part of an Axiom-4 mission, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday took a swipe at the BJP, saying its leaders trust astrology more than astronomy.
In a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the felicitation of Shukla upon his arrival in Lucknow, Yadav accused the BJP leaders of always trying to claim credit for everything.
Addressing a press conference, Yadav lauded Shukla's achievement, calling it a big accomplishment for the country, for him personally and for his family.
"He (Shukla) must have worked very hard and undergone rigorous training to achieve this feat," the SP chief said.
Pointing to the civic reception organised by the Adityanath government for Shukla, Yadav said, "The space journey has enhanced the country's prestige and used resources from across India. But the BJP leaders are always trying to claim every bit of credit.
"BJP leaders trust astrology more than astronomy They worry about which day is auspicious, what is the appropriate time to leave, or which colour to wear. How can those who don't believe in astronomy talk about space," Yadav asked.
"And people are saying that Lord Hanuman was the first astronaut from India. We believe that God lives in space," he said, taking a dig at BJP MP Anurag Thakur for reportedly saying at a school event that Lord Hanuman could be considered the first to travel in space.
Yadav also said he would meet Shukla whenever possible to discuss many things about space.
"He has a protocol, we will take time from him and meet (him)," he said.
Reacting to Yadav's remarks, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused the Samajwadi leader of repeatedly insulting the Hindu faith and India’s ancient traditions, and sought a public apology from the opposition politician.
"Akhilesh Yadav has mocked India’s centuries-old astrology, the Vedas and the wisdom of our sages. Today the entire world praises our astrological calculations and Vedic astronomy.
"Even NASA acknowledges the scientific basis of our traditions. But Akhilesh Yadav dismisses them as superstition, insulting India’s glorious heritage,” Pathak said.
The deputy chief minister also accused Yadav of ridiculing Lord Hanuman in public, and making derogatory remarks about Hindu deities.
"Akhilesh Yadav claims that all our Gods live in space. Such statements clearly reveal his disdain for the devotion and reverence Hindus have for their deities. He should apologise to the entire Hindu community,” Pathak said.
He also alleged that the Samajwadi Party had always opposed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and created hurdles even in court.
“When the magnificent temple of Ram Lalla was being built, SP leaders continued to make insulting remarks. Now when the entire nation is immersed in devotion of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, Akhilesh Yadav is presenting them as objects of ridicule," he claimed.
Pathak also claimed that Yadav’s criticism of bulldozer action (in Uttar Pradesh) stems from the fact that it targets his “mafia friends".
Rejecting Yadav’s allegations regarding irregularities in teacher recruitment, Pathak said, "The biggest copying and education mafia thrived during Akhilesh Yadav’s government. The BJP government has made the recruitment process transparent, a fact that a protector of criminals like Akhilesh Yadav cannot tolerate."
Referring to SP leaders Gayatri Prajapati and Azam Khan, Pathak said, “The people of Uttar Pradesh will never forgive Akhilesh Yadav for defending rapists and mafias. Those who shadow such criminals have no right to insult people.”
He also claimed that the Kumbh under Akhilesh Yadav’s government was known for mismanagement and embarrassment, whereas Yogi Adityanath’s government gave it global recognition.
"Farmers today are benefiting from the schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath but Akhilesh Yadav is concerned only about his vote bank, and not farmers’ welfare,” Pathak claimed.
Shukla reached his hometown on Monday morning for the first time since his historic Axiom-4 space mission that concluded last month.
Although he arrived in India from the US on August 17, he came to the state capital on Monday after attending multiple events in Delhi, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 18.