UP polls: Akhilesh Yadav launches Samajwadi party campaign with tainted leader by his side

After winning the intra-party battle and building an alliance with Congress, Akhilesh Yadav hit the campaign trail on Tuesday, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'achhe din' promise and claiming that the new coalition will win over 300 of UP’s 403 assembly seats.

However, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister set tongues wagging as he kicked off his campaign with controversial Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati by his side, drawing ridicule from BJP, which dubbed the "tainted" minister the new SP chief's brand ambassador. Akhilesh not only shared the stage with Prajapati, but went a step further by telling the audience that he (Gayatri)would not only win his seat, but ensure victory of other SPcandidates in the adjoining areas.     

"Gayatri Prajapati is sitting on the stage. He will not only win his seat (Amethi), but also ensure that other SP candidates in the nearby constituencies come out triumphant," the Chief Minister said in his new role as the SP national president. Taunting Akhilesh, state BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya said that by sharing dais with Gayatri and by praising him, the Chief Minister has proved that "Gayatri is his brand ambassador and corruption is his (CM's) priority."

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Under the SP-Congress alliance, SP will contest the Amethi seat and Prajapati, who was sacked by Akhilesh from the post of mines minister over his alleged involvement in a mining scam, will be its candidate. Addressing the election rally, Akhilesh targeted theModi government at the Centre, saying in order to take credit will incorporate in the Union Budget some of the ambitious schemes of UP government and promises made in SP manifesto.     

The SP National President also sought to ridicule the 'achche din' promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying instead of good days, people got 'jhadu' (broom) or were asked to do yoga.

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"Our manifesto has so many ambitious schemes for womenand youth. I think the Union Budget might incorporate some ofthem so that BJP can take credit," he said and made a scathingattack on BJP for its demonetisation decision because of whichpeople in the rural areas were facing severe hardships.     

Akhilesh, who took over the mantle of SP president lastweek, said, "Now after alliance with Congress, we will bagover 300 of the 403 Assembly seats."

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Having won the internal power game in the Samajwadi Party, the Chief Minister said he had faced many ups and downs andwhatever stand he took was meant only for the welfare of the people.

He dwelt at length on the SP's manifesto and reminded thepeople that whatever promises he had made in 2012 had been fulfilled. Akhilesh highlighted the achivements of his government during the past five years to drive home the point that hebelieved in development "while others believe in doing dirtypolitics".