Mayawati, Akhilesh term PM Modi 'chowkidar of capitalists', say grand alliance will 'shake roots' of BJP

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav addressed a joint rally in favour of alliance candidates of Jaunpur and Machhlishahr Lok Sabha seats and asserted that the grand alliance of Uttar Pradesh will "shake the roots" of the ruling party.

Launching a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former chief minister Mayawati said that he is the "chowkidar (watchman) of capitalists" and alleged that he helped the rich become richer.

"BJP is going out of power in these elections... it has failed to fulfill the promises made in 2014 to the poor and middle class... despite all this, how can the prime minister seek votes again," the BSP chief said and termed GST and demonetisation the cause of corruption.

"Terror attacks are taking place and the government is busy taking mileage out of the Army's valour," Mayawati claimed.

Targeting Yogi government for the menace of stray animals in Uttar Pradesh, she alleged that farmers in the state are facing immense hardship because of it.

She also targeted the Congress and alleged that the grand old party wants people to stay poor.

"Both the BJP and Congress are against the lower caste... the Congress, which is claiming to provide Rs 6,000 (under its proposed 'Nyay' scheme) only wants people to remain poor and helpless," BSP chief Mayawati told the gathering.

In his address, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "The BJP is standing on a foundation of lies and our alliance will shake its very roots... perhaps the BJP is not aware of the alliance storm."

"This time, people will snatch the chair of the chaiwala-turned-chowkidar," the former chief minister said, and asked, "How can the prime minister, who got scared of a jawan in Varanasi, face terrorism and naxalism."