Lucknow: Campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Chhattisgarh, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sought to establish a connection with the largely tribal voters by saying that Hanuman was one of the most prominent tribals. With the second phase of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh set for November 20, Tuesday, Yogi asked the voters to go out in huge numbers and vote for the BJP. Also Read - Udit Narayan Sings 'Mitwa' For UP CM Yogi Adityanath During 'Film City' Meeting, Video Goes Viral

Speaking in Bhatgaon on Sunday, Yogi said, “Hunuman sabse bade adivasi hain, vanvasi hain…(Hanuman is the most prominent tribal).” Reiterating that the state was the ‘nanihal’ (mother’s hometown) of Ram, he said, “On vanvaas (exile), Lord Ram helped the tribals against the demons. Just like Ram did in Treta Yug, the BJP is aiming to bring Ram Rajya in the state.” Also Read - Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Meets Bollywood Personalities Over Film City in Uttar Pradesh's Noida

Yogi has been invoking Ram at a time that the VHP and the RSS have been raising the pitch for Ram temple in Ayodhya. In an apparent attack on Congress, Yogi said that ‘demonic powers’ were trying to dent Chhattisgarh. He also held the Congress responsible for religious conversions in the state. He said that ruling BJP has not only put the state on the road to development but also stopped religious conversions in the state. Also Read - Kangana Ranaut Wants 'Terrorism Free' Film Industry After Yogi Adityanath's Announcement

The Congress, on its part, has criticised Yogi, saying he should not be called so. “Yogi should be like an ascetic first. When he is not an ascetic person, he cannot be called a Yogi,” senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily in poll-bound Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

Adityanath had said that the Congress party would never come to power at the Centre or in the state under the leadership of its Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, the CM would be campaigning in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. He would be addressing the public in Bhopak before heading to Badnawar in Dhar district. Around 2 PM, he would be in Khandwa where Yogi would be addressing another rally. In Indore, he would be addressing a rally in Mhow.