Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday hit back at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the latter's comments that his Allahabad visit could have triggered violence. Akhilesh said that Yogi's statement was nothing but 'a cover to hide nervousness'.
The SP chief alleged that he was manhandled and stopped at Lucknow airport from boarding a private jet to go to Prayagraj where he was to attend the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of Allahabad University Students’ Union.
"I was stopped to board a flight to Prayagraj to attend a students' union programme. I haven't been given a reason why but it occurred to the powers-that-be that I would create a law and order problem. The Chief Minister gave a statement in this regard, but they are using this as a cover to hide their nervousness as our youth have had enough of the BJP rule," Akhilesh told media persons in Lucknow on Tuesday.
"If there was a genuine problem, the police there would have objected or asked for a change in my schedule. I understand the need to ensure safety of the people and property and would never do something to endanger either, knowingly," said Akhilesh.
The former UP Chief Minister said that the BJP had lost Uttar Pradesh, 'but more than an election, they have lost the faith that the youth of this country reposed in them'. ``The Chief Minister alleged that I was going to indulge in violence on Allahabad varsity campus. The fact is that, it is Yogi who has cases of serious nature against him. I have never figured in a criminal case in my entire political career. They (BJP) should not forget that whatever is happening with me today, might happen with them tomorrow,” said the SP president.
Akhilesh said that the BJP was rattled after losing the students' union elections of Allahabad University. "Senior ministers of Yogi Cabinet were deployed to ensure the victory of candidate supported by the BJP, yet they lost to SP candidate. The latest government move only shows the BJP's desperation," he said.
The SP chief also revealed that he had plans of visiting Akhada Parishad chief Mahant Narendra Giri over lunch after the programme at the Allahabad University.
Interestingly, the Allahabad University had already informed the SP chief that no politicians were allowed in any of their programmes. On Monday, registrar of Allahabad University had written to Yadav's personal secretary conveying that politicians were not allowed on the varsity campus.