Appointed Unnao district president by the BJP in September of last year, Awadhesh Katiyar was earlier the BJP's district general secretary in Unnao.

Unnao district has six assembly constituencies where voting is to be held in the fourth phase of the UP elections on February 23.

Speaking at the poll rally in Unnao on Sunday, PM Modi took aim at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

"You must have seen, the father [Mulayam Singh Yadav] who was pushed from the stage was humiliated and the party was captured, he [Akhilesh] had to plead to him [Mulayam] for saving the seat [Karhal]," PM Modi said.

He also said, "For the dynasts, the biggest priority is their and their close one's interests. If the people of UP are insulted anywhere, they turn a blind eye to it if it does not serve their interest."

Elections to Uttar Pradesh's 403-member Legislative Assembly are being held in seven phases with the last phase due on March 7. Counting of votes will be held on March 10.

(With inputs from agencies)