Gorakhpur, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Azad Samaj Party president and Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad on Tuesday took a sarcastic swipe at BJP MP Ravi Kishan over his reported remark that Gorakhpur feels like Spain, while criticising the Uttar Pradesh government over civic problems in the city.
Azad, who was travelling to the Madhuban Lok Sabha constituency for a scheduled programme, told reporters that he was “thankful” that no visa was required to visit Gorakhpur.
“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,” he said, adding that he initially wondered whether a visa would be needed to enter Spain.
Azad also raised questions over facilities at AIIMS Gorakhpur, claiming that although the hospital has six gates, only one is operational. Referring to a recent report about a patient allegedly losing their life after being taken through a longer route because of the limited access, he said every minute was crucial during medical emergencies.
He alleged that conditions in Gorakhpur had not improved significantly in the four years since he had last stayed there, citing persistent waterlogging, sanitation and cleanliness problems.
“It is extremely concerning” that the situation had not changed despite the availability of funds, Azad said. He also acknowledged that the airport had improved connectivity but sarcastically wondered whether it would eventually be named after Spain or a British ruler.
Turning to wider issues in Uttar Pradesh, Azad raised concerns over unemployment-driven migration among young people, alleged examination paper leaks, restrictions on protests and the condition of education.
He also questioned whether “mafia rule” had ended in the state and sought accountability from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Director General of Police over the alleged murder of Ankit Balyan.
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