The alleged Ram Temple donation theft has emerged as a major political flashpoint ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of failing to protect devotees' donations while also linking the controversy to broader concerns over governance and exam paper leaks.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged theft continues. The Supreme Court has directed the inclusion of a forensic auditor in the Special Investigation Team (SIT), while a special court has extended the judicial custody of the accused. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has also appointed a new administrator to oversee the temple's daily operations.

Ram Temple Donation Theft Row Heats Up Ahead of UP Polls | Akhilesh Yadav Targets BJP 

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has extended an offer for alliance to Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in 2027 with the aim of ousting the BJP from power.&nbsp;&nbsp;Owaisi said at a rally in Moradabad that he was ready to “join hands” or “form an alliance” with the Samajwadi Party to ensure the BJP does not win for a third consecutive time in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Samajwadi Party would, however, be wary about Owaisi’s offer as both parties reach out to the same voter base in the 403-seat Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nandan-nilekani-infosys-co-founder-and-aadhaar-architect-to-lead-pm-s-high-powered-task-force-1785079026251">Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect, to lead PM’s high-powered task force</a>&nbsp;Owaisi brushed off the tag of being the BJP’s ‘B-team’ and said that he does not want the BJP to continue in power for a third straight term in UP and wanted the alliance with the Samajwadi Party to avoid a split in votes.&nbsp;An alliance with the AIMIM could prove costly to the Samajwadi Party as it could further consolidate Owaisi’s party in the electorally crucial state.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Don’t want the BJP to form govt again in Uttar Pradesh’</h2>&nbsp;“I have said this before, and I am saying it again: the Majlis does not want the BJP to form the government again in Uttar Pradesh. I am ready to join hands. I am ready to form an alliance. Today is the time to talk. Don’t cry later after the elections are over. We don’t want the BJP to come to power again,” Owaisi said.&nbsp;“You say that Owaisi contesting would harm us. I’m ready to fight alongside you,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradhan-offered-to-resign-on-the-first-day-of-protests-reveals-senior-bjp-leader-1785061536174">Pradhan offered to resign on the first day of protests, reveals senior BJP leader</a>&nbsp;Owaisi said the AIMIM’s fight was never against any religion, nor will it ever be. “Our fight is for our honour. Our fight is a fight for justice. Now we don’t want to sit on a mat. Now we want equality.”&nbsp;“If Akhilesh sits in a chair, then Owaisi will sit cross-legged in front of that chair and talk about rights and justice,” he added.&nbsp;Samajwadi Party is the largest opposition party in Uttar Pradesh and faces the BJP juggernaut led by a firebrand Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is completing his second successive term.&nbsp;Assembly elections in electorally-vital Uttar Pradesh are crucial and viewed as a semi-final before parliamentary polls.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pralhad-joshi-takes-charge-as-new-education-minister-after-dharmendra-pradhan-s-resignation-1785050987574">Pralhad Joshi takes charge as new education minister after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation</a><h2>‘Collaboration of vote bank politics’</h2>&nbsp;Reacting to Owaisi’s offer to SP, the BJP called it a “collaboration of vote bank politics.”&nbsp;BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala took a jibe at Owaisi’s call for alliance with Akhilesh's party.&nbsp;“Akhilesh Yadav and Owaisi compete in appeasement. Today they are leaving aside the ‘kaun banega bada bhaijaan’ (who will be the bigger appeaser) competition and saying let’s do ‘bhaijaan’ collaboration. Therefore, Owaisi is sending a friend request to Akhilesh ji,” said Poonawala.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-powered-task-force-on-exam-reforms-set-up-under-nandan-nilekani-pm-modi-1785073188370#">DMK founder Karunanidhi’s granddaughter booked for slapping SBI branch manager | Video</a>&nbsp;He also called Owaisi and Yadav the two sides of the same coin.&nbsp;Elections for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly are due in 2027.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said at a rally that he was ready to “join hands” or “form an alliance” with the Samajwadi Party to ensure the BJP does not win for a third consecutive time in UP. The SP would, however, be wary about the offer as both parties reach out to the same voter base.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has extended an offer for alliance to Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in 2027 with the aim of ousting the BJP from power. Owaisi said at a rally in Moradabad that he was ready to “join hands” or “form an alliance” with the Samajwadi Party to ensure the BJP does not win for a third consecutive time in Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party would, however, be wary about Owaisi’s offer as both parties reach out to the same voter base in the 403-seat Assembly. Also Read: Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect, to lead PM’s high-powered task force Owaisi brushed off the tag of being the BJP’s ‘B-team’ and said that he does not want the BJP to continue in power for a third straight term in UP and wanted the alliance with the Samajwadi Party to avoid a split in votes. An alliance with the AIMIM could prove costly to the Samajwadi Party as it could further consolidate Owaisi’s party in the electorally crucial state. ‘Don’t want the BJP to form govt again in Uttar Pradesh’ “I have said this before, and I am saying it again: the Majlis does not want the BJP to form the government again in Uttar Pradesh. I am ready to join hands. I am ready to form an alliance. Today is the time to talk. Don’t cry later after the elections are over. We don’t want the BJP to come to power again,” Owaisi said. “You say that Owaisi contesting would harm us. I’m ready to fight alongside you,” he added. Also Read: Pradhan offered to resign on the first day of protests, reveals senior BJP leader Owaisi said the AIMIM’s fight was never against any religion, nor will it ever be. “Our fight is for our honour. Our fight is a fight for justice. Now we don’t want to sit on a mat. Now we want equality.” “If Akhilesh sits in a chair, then Owaisi will sit cross-legged in front of that chair and talk about rights and justice,” he added. Samajwadi Party is the largest opposition party in Uttar Pradesh and faces the BJP juggernaut led by a firebrand Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is completing his second successive term. Assembly elections in electorally-vital Uttar Pradesh are crucial and viewed as a semi-final before parliamentary polls. Also Read: Pralhad Joshi takes charge as new education minister after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation ‘Collaboration of vote bank politics’ Reacting to Owaisi’s offer to SP, the BJP called it a “collaboration of vote bank politics.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala took a jibe at Owaisi’s call for alliance with Akhilesh's party. “Akhilesh Yadav and Owaisi compete in appeasement. Today they are leaving aside the ‘kaun banega bada bhaijaan’ (who will be the bigger appeaser) competition and saying let’s do ‘bhaijaan’ collaboration. Therefore, Owaisi is sending a friend request to Akhilesh ji,” said Poonawala. Also Read: DMK founder Karunanidhi’s granddaughter booked for slapping SBI branch manager | Video He also called Owaisi and Yadav the two sides of the same coin. Elections for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly are due in 2027.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said at a rally that he was ready to “join hands” or “form an alliance” with the Samajwadi Party to ensure the BJP does not win for a third consecutive time in UP. The SP would, however, be wary about the offer as both parties reach out to the same voter base.

‘Don't cry after elections': Owaisi extends alliance offer to Akhilesh for UP polls

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Protests demanding education reforms intensified in New Delhi as opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, were briefly detained after marching toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The demonstrations centered on the NEET controversy, alleged exam paper leaks, and demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the opposition of politicizing student concerns, saying the government remains committed to addressing education issues in Parliament.

NEET Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained amid massive NEET protest in New Delhi 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was forcibly removed from a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi on Tuesday and was taken away in a Delhi Police bus.&nbsp;Yadav had joined Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior leaders in the demonstration over police action against students during the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament a day earlier.&nbsp;The Opposition leaders also demanded accountability over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned earlier in the day following repeated disruptions over allegations of police brutality and the NEET paper leak issue.&nbsp;Following Yadav's detention, a video surfaced on social media showing him sitting in the front seat of a Delhi Police bus. In the video, Yadav is heard asking the driver, "Kaha le jaa rahe ho police bhai" (Where are you taking us, police brother?). The driver responds, "Pata nahi vo to sir bataenge" (I don't know, the seniors will tell).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">दिल्ली में छात्रों का समर्थन कर रहें माननीय राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री अखिलेश यादव जी को पुलिस द्वारा डिटेन किया जाना अति निंदनीय है। लोकतंत्र की है हत्यारी भाजपा सरकार अत्याचारी <a href="https://t.co/nUFE3gwr7l">pic.twitter.com/nUFE3gwr7l</a>&mdash; Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) <a href="https://x.com/samajwadiparty/status/2079559822345904335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier in the day, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused the ruling BJP of using excessive force against students and questioned, "Is this the goal of developed India?"&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-akhilesh-yadav-detained-during-sit-in-outside-prime-minister-residence-1784640947559">Watch | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained during sit-in outside prime minister residence</a>&nbsp;Speaking to the media in the Parliament complex on Tuesday, Yadav said the BJP government had treated students with barbarity.&nbsp;"Students have sustained head injuries and required stitches; bones in their hands and legs have been broken," he said.&nbsp;The development came as Opposition parties stepped up protests against the government over alleged police brutality against students and demanded accountability over the NEET paper leak.&nbsp;Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal also visited Jantar Mantar earlier in the day and accused the Narendra Modi-led government of "brutally" attacking unarmed students during their march towards Parliament over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal said protesters had marched peacefully when Delhi Police used force against them.&nbsp;"The Modi government attacked these children with extreme brutality. These children were unarmed; they had no weapons, no sticks, no batons--nothing at all. They were peacefully heading toward Parliament. They were brutally lathi-charged. Several children suffered head injuries, while many others had their bones broken--their hands and legs were fractured. Modi Ji has attacked these children with immense cruelty," Kejriwal said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was detained by Delhi Police after joining Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders in a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over alleged police brutality against students and the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was forcibly removed from a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi on Tuesday and was taken away in a Delhi Police bus. Yadav had joined Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior leaders in the demonstration over police action against students during the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament a day earlier. The Opposition leaders also demanded accountability over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned earlier in the day following repeated disruptions over allegations of police brutality and the NEET paper leak issue. Following Yadav's detention, a video surfaced on social media showing him sitting in the front seat of a Delhi Police bus. In the video, Yadav is heard asking the driver, "Kaha le jaa rahe ho police bhai" (Where are you taking us, police brother?). The driver responds, "Pata nahi vo to sir bataenge" (I don't know, the seniors will tell).

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was detained by Delhi Police after joining Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders in a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence over alleged police brutality against students and the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

Watch | 'Kaha le jaa rahe ho police bhai?': Akhilesh Yadav detained outside PM's residence

In a show of solidarity with a fellow INDIA bloc ally after the Trinamool Congress’ defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed Mamata Banerjee and alleged large-scale electoral manipulation by the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI).&nbsp;Speaking after meeting Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at the Chief Minister’s residence in Kolkata, Yadav claimed the elections were influenced through what he described as “multi-layered mafiagiri”.&nbsp;“Today, all Opposition leaders must stand together against election fraud. When elections were held honestly, Didi won. This time, no one could have imagined such manipulation involving the BJP, the Election Commission and others working together,” Yadav said.&nbsp;“You have not lost, Didi. Aap haari nahi hain,” Yadav said, backing Banerjee’s stance that the election outcome did not reflect the true public mandate.&nbsp;The remarks came days after the BJP secured a historic victory in West Bengal, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule in the state. The BJP won 207 seats with a 45.84 per cent vote share, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats with 40.8 per cent votes.&nbsp;A day after the results were declared, Banerjee said she would neither resign nor vacate the Chief Minister’s post. Addressing reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday, she alleged that the BJP used official machinery to influence the outcome.&nbsp;“We did not lose the election. They may have defeated us officially through the Election Commission, but morally we have won,” Banerjee had said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indus-waters-treaty-remains-suspended-over-pakistan-backed-terrorism-mea-on-op-sindoor-anniversary-1778159150642">Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended over Pakistan-backed terrorism: MEA on Op Sindoor anniversary</a>&nbsp;She also revealed that several INDIA bloc leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Hemant Soren, contacted her after the results.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">West Bengal: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata. (Pic source: Samajwadi Party) <a href="https://t.co/qn70frrAyL">https://t.co/qn70frrAyL</a> <a href="https://t.co/dI1i79TeLF">pic.twitter.com/dI1i79TeLF</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2052337097869312318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Akhilesh compares Bengal polls with UP elections</h2>Yadav alleged that the BJP had earlier experimented with similar tactics during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.&nbsp;“What happened in Uttar Pradesh was a betrayal. They treated it as a trial and later expanded the same strategy elsewhere,” he said.&nbsp;The SP chief also alleged misuse of administrative machinery and irregular deployment of central forces during the Bengal polls. “We raised complaints against several officials during the Uttar Pradesh elections, but no action was taken. In Bengal, they completely took over the system. Even central forces were kept deployed for unusually long periods,” he claimed.&nbsp;Reacting to the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant Chandranath Rath, Yadav held Union Home Minister Amit Shah responsible and demanded accountability.“How did Suvendu Adhikari’s PA get murdered? The Home Minister must answer how this happened,” he said.

Alleging fraud and poll rigging through alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission, Mamata Banerjee earlier said she would neither resign nor step down as Chief Minister by submitting her resignation to the Governor.

In a show of solidarity with a fellow INDIA bloc ally after the Trinamool Congress’ defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed Mamata Banerjee and alleged large-scale electoral manipulation by the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI). Speaking after meeting Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at the Chief Minister’s residence in Kolkata, Yadav claimed the elections were influenced through what he described as “multi-layered mafiagiri”. “Today, all Opposition leaders must stand together against election fraud. When elections were held honestly, Didi won. This time, no one could have imagined such manipulation involving the BJP, the Election Commission and others working together,” Yadav said. “You have not lost, Didi. Aap haari nahi hain,” Yadav said, backing Banerjee’s stance that the election outcome did not reflect the true public mandate. The remarks came days after the BJP secured a historic victory in West Bengal, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule in the state. The BJP won 207 seats with a 45.84 per cent vote share, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats with 40.8 per cent votes. A day after the results were declared, Banerjee said she would neither resign nor vacate the Chief Minister’s post. Addressing reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday, she alleged that the BJP used official machinery to influence the outcome. “We did not lose the election. They may have defeated us officially through the Election Commission, but morally we have won,” Banerjee had said. Also Read: Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended over Pakistan-backed terrorism: MEA on Op Sindoor anniversary She also revealed that several INDIA bloc leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Hemant Soren, contacted her after the results.

Alleging fraud and poll rigging through alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission, Mamata Banerjee earlier said she would neither resign nor step down as Chief Minister by submitting her resignation to the Governor.

‘You have not lost, Didi’: Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata Banerjee, backs her poll rigging allegations after Bengal setback

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday dismissed the criticism of his party&rsquo;s Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman and defended his controversial remark calling Rajput warrior king Rana Sanga a &lsquo;traitor&rsquo;, by countering that if BJP leaders can revisit history to discuss Aurangzeb, then he has also just mentioned a page from history. Yadav said that if BJP leaders can revisit history to discuss figures like Aurangzeb, then Suman&rsquo;s remarks should also be seen as part of historical debate.
In his speech in Parliament, Suman had said, &ldquo;Indian Muslims do not consider Babur as their idol. They follow Prophet Muhammad and the Sufi tradition. But I want to ask, who brought Babur here? It was Rana Sanga who invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So, if Muslims are called the descendants of Babur, then Hindus must be the descendants of traitor Rana Sanga. We criticise Babur, but why don&rsquo;t we criticise Rana Sanga?,&rdquo; the Samajwadi Party chief added. Rana Sanga was the ruler of Mewar from 1508 to 1528.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/self-styled-punjab-pastor-bajinder-singh-assaults-woman-holding-baby-other-staffers-video-goes-viral-8882756" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh assaults woman with baby, other staffers; video goes viral</a>
&ldquo;Everyone is flipping through the pages of history. Ask BJP leaders which pages they are turning. What are they debating? They want to talk about Aurangzeb,&rdquo; said Akhilesh after paying tribute to socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, as quoted by PTI. &ldquo;If Ramjilal Suman ji has referred to a page in history that contains certain facts, then what&rsquo;s the issue? We didn&rsquo;t write history 200 years ago,&rdquo; the SP chief added. &ldquo;If BJP continues to flip through history, people will also remember that during Chhatrapati Shivaji&rsquo;s coronation, no one anointed him by hand. It is said that he was anointed using the toe of a left foot. Will the BJP condemn this today?&rdquo; he said.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-muskan-and-sahil-did-during-their-trip-to-shimla-cab-driver-reveals-details-in-meerut-murder-8879512" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Muskan and Sahil did during their trip to Shimla? Cab driver reveals details in Meerut murder</a>
Drawing an analogy, Yadav referred to Galileo&rsquo;s persecution for his claim that the Earth revolves around the Sun. &ldquo;Galileo was punished for his scientific assertion, and centuries later, the Church apologised for its mistake. If the BJP respects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will they apologise for the fact that he was anointed with a left foot toe?&rdquo; he said.
<h2>BJP slams Akhilesh for his remark, terms it &lsquo;insult to Hindus&rsquo;</h2>
BJP leaders accused the Samajwadi Party of fostering an &ldquo;anti-Hindu&rdquo; mindset. BJP leader Amit Malviya said, &ldquo;Yadav, who indulges in appeasement, is supporting his MP Ramji Lal for calling the great warrior Rana Sanga a traitor. This is an insult not only to the Rajput community but to the entire Hindu community.&rdquo;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meerut-murder-case-post-mortem-report-reveals-horrifying-state-of-saurabh-rajput-8881927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meerut murder case: Post-mortem report reveals HORRIFYING state of Saurabh Rajput</a> &ldquo;The distorted comments made on the Maha Kumbh were also no exception but are an indication of the petty anti-Hindu mentality of the SP, due to which the people of Uttar Pradesh have pushed the SP to the lowest rung of the state&rsquo;s politics,&rdquo; he added. On Sunday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also criticised Suman, calling his comments &ldquo;shameful&rdquo;and demanding an apology.
(With inputs from agencies)

India News: “If Ramjilal Suman ji has referred to a page in history that contains certain facts, then what’s the issue? We didn’t write history 200 years ago,” the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav added.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday dismissed the criticism of his party’s Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman and defended his controversial remark calling Rajput warrior king Rana Sanga a ‘traitor’, by countering that if BJP leaders can revisit history to discuss Aurangzeb, then he has also just mentioned a page from history. Yadav said that if BJP leaders can revisit history to discuss figures like Aurangzeb, then Suman’s remarks should also be seen as part of historical debate. In his speech in Parliament, Suman had said, “Indian Muslims do not consider Babur as their idol. They follow Prophet Muhammad and the Sufi tradition. But I want to ask, who brought Babur here? It was Rana Sanga who invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.” “So, if Muslims are called the descendants of Babur, then Hindus must be the descendants of traitor Rana Sanga. We criticise Babur, but why don’t we criticise Rana Sanga?,” the Samajwadi Party chief added. Rana Sanga was the ruler of Mewar from 1508 to 1528. Also read | Self-styled Punjab pastor Bajinder Singh assaults woman with baby, other staffers; video goes viral “Everyone is flipping through the pages of history. Ask BJP leaders which pages they are turning. What are they debating? They want to talk about Aurangzeb,” said Akhilesh after paying tribute to socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, as quoted by PTI. “If Ramjilal Suman ji has referred to a page in history that contains certain facts, then what’s the issue? We didn’t write history 200 years ago,” the SP chief added. “If BJP continues to flip through history, people will also remember that during Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation, no one anointed him by hand. It is said that he was anointed using the toe of a left foot. Will the BJP condemn this today?” he said. Also read: What Muskan and Sahil did during their trip to Shimla? Cab driver reveals details in Meerut murder Drawing an analogy, Yadav referred to Galileo’s persecution for his claim that the Earth revolves around the Sun. “Galileo was punished for his scientific assertion, and centuries later, the Church apologised for its mistake. If the BJP respects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will they apologise for the fact that he was anointed with a left foot toe?” he said. BJP slams Akhilesh for his remark, terms it ‘insult to Hindus’ BJP leaders accused the Samajwadi Party of fostering an “anti-Hindu” mindset. BJP leader Amit Malviya said, “Yadav, who indulges in appeasement, is supporting his MP Ramji Lal for calling the great warrior Rana Sanga a traitor. This is an insult not only to the Rajput community but to the entire Hindu community.” Also read: Meerut murder case: Post-mortem report reveals HORRIFYING state of Saurabh Rajput “The distorted comments made on the Maha Kumbh were also no exception but are an indication of the petty anti-Hindu mentality of the SP, due to which the people of Uttar Pradesh have pushed the SP to the lowest rung of the state’s politics,” he added. On Sunday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also criticised Suman, calling his comments “shameful”and demanding an apology. (With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav defends RS MP’s Rana Sanga ‘traitor’ remark

Opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has slammed the state government of PM Narendra Modi&rsquo;s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst the ongoing controversy over a mosque in the city of Sambhal. Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), claimed that the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow should also be excavated as there was a &lsquo;Shivling&rsquo; under it.
&ldquo;There is a Shivling under the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow. We know this. It should also be excavated,&rdquo; the SP chief said Sunday while talking to reporters in UP&rsquo;s capital city. His statement came amidst massive row over the ongoing excavation of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, called Shahi Jama Masjid. The initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), mandated by a court order, has been taken to investigate claims that the structure was built over a demolished Hindu temple.
On November 24, major communal clashes had erupted in Sambhal as a massive mob of Muslim men went up in arms against the authorities. The local lawmaker from the SP party has been accused by the authorities of inciting a crowd to attack police personnel and ASI officials.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sambhal-violence-cong-calls-incident-a-planned-conspiracy-security-tightened-outside-mosque-778972">Sambhal violence: Cong calls incident a 'planned conspiracy'; security tightened outside mosque</a>
The SP chief earlier accused the BJP government of using such excavations to distract the masses from pressing issues like unemployment and the agrarian crisis and fuel religious polarisation.&nbsp;
"Digging everywhere will not get us to any solution. There is a Places of Worship Act in our country that prohibits such things," Yadav said last week. He was referring to the law that protects the religious character of places of worship in India. Yadav added that the level of unemployment has reached a record level over the past 10 years of BJP rule in the state.
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | Yadav’s statement came amidst massive row over the ongoing excavation of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, called Shahi Jama Masjid.

Opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has slammed the state government of PM Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst the ongoing controversy over a mosque in the city of Sambhal. Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), claimed that the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow should also be excavated as there was a ‘Shivling’ under it. “There is a Shivling under the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow. We know this. It should also be excavated,” the SP chief said Sunday while talking to reporters in UP’s capital city. His statement came amidst massive row over the ongoing excavation of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, called Shahi Jama Masjid. The initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), mandated by a court order, has been taken to investigate claims that the structure was built over a demolished Hindu temple. On November 24, major communal clashes had erupted in Sambhal as a massive mob of Muslim men went up in arms against the authorities. The local lawmaker from the SP party has been accused by the authorities of inciting a crowd to attack police personnel and ASI officials. Also read: Sambhal violence: Cong calls incident a 'planned conspiracy'; security tightened outside mosque The SP chief earlier accused the BJP government of using such excavations to distract the masses from pressing issues like unemployment and the agrarian crisis and fuel religious polarisation. "Digging everywhere will not get us to any solution. There is a Places of Worship Act in our country that prohibits such things," Yadav said last week. He was referring to the law that protects the religious character of places of worship in India. Yadav added that the level of unemployment has reached a record level over the past 10 years of BJP rule in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India: ‘There’s Shivling under...,’ Akhilesh takes dig at UP CM Yogi amid Sambhal row

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (Oct 10) said his party's alliance with the Congress will continue, a day after his party declared tickets for six of the 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats where bypolls are due later this year without holding consultations.

“The INDIA alliance is intact in Uttar Pradesh. The SP and Congress will fight the upcoming byelection together,” Yadav said.&nbsp;

The former UP CM's statement came while he was speaking to reporters during his visit to Etawah to pay tributes to his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav on his death anniversary.

Asked about distribution of party tickets for the bypolls, Akhilesh Yadav said: "I only want to say that INDIA bloc will be there. SP and Congress alliance will remain intact."

He, however, did not elaborate and said this is not the time to discuss politics. On being asked about his reaction to Haryana poll results, he said, "We will discuss this when we meet again."

In an apparent snub to ally Congress after its unsatisfactory show in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll, the SP on Wednesday announced candidates for six assembly seats.

The Congress has been demanding five seats in the bypolls.

After the SP named its candidates for the Karhal (Mainpuri), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Majhwan (Mirzapur) constituencies, party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said any seat sharing arrangement with the Congress will be decided by party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

The Congress was demanding Phulpur and Majhwan seats besides Ghaziabad, Khair (Aligarh) and Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar).

A by-election is also due in Kundarki (Moradabad).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haryana-elections-bjp-delivers-shocker-to-congress-in-haryana-assembly-polls-wion-originals-765830">Watch |&nbsp;Haryana Elections: BJP Delivers Shocker To Congress In Haryana Assembly Polls | WION Originals</a>

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<h2>Haryana shocker for Congress</h2>

The Congress, which was expected to make a comeback in Haryana, got 37 of the 90 seats as the BJP won a third consecutive term with a score of 48.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the NC-Congress alliance bagged 49 of the 90 seats but the grand old party won only six of the 32 it contested.

Asked about SP's announcement, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai told PTI, "We have submitted a proposal about contesting 5 of the 10 seats to the high command. These were the seats won by BJP earlier." 
 
According to SP's official list, the party named Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, Naseem Solanki from Sisamau, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur, Ajit Prasad from Milkipur, Shobhawati Verma from Katehari and Jyoti Bind from Majhwan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-rejects-totally-unexpected-haryana-assembly-elections-result-files-complaint-with-eci-766279">Also read |&nbsp;Congress rejects 'totally unexpected' Haryana assembly elections results, files complaint with ECI</a>

Nine of these seats fell vacant after their respective MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls, while in Sisamau, the bypoll is being held due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (Oct 10) said his party's alliance with the Congress will continue, a day after his party declared tickets for six of the 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats where bypolls are due later this year without holding consultations.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday (Oct 10) said his party's alliance with the Congress will continue, a day after his party declared tickets for six of the 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats where bypolls are due later this year without holding consultations. “The INDIA alliance is intact in Uttar Pradesh. The SP and Congress will fight the upcoming byelection together,” Yadav said. The former UP CM's statement came while he was speaking to reporters during his visit to Etawah to pay tributes to his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav on his death anniversary. Asked about distribution of party tickets for the bypolls, Akhilesh Yadav said: "I only want to say that INDIA bloc will be there. SP and Congress alliance will remain intact." He, however, did not elaborate and said this is not the time to discuss politics. On being asked about his reaction to Haryana poll results, he said, "We will discuss this when we meet again." In an apparent snub to ally Congress after its unsatisfactory show in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll, the SP on Wednesday announced candidates for six assembly seats. The Congress has been demanding five seats in the bypolls. After the SP named its candidates for the Karhal (Mainpuri), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Majhwan (Mirzapur) constituencies, party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary had said any seat sharing arrangement with the Congress will be decided by party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The Congress was demanding Phulpur and Majhwan seats besides Ghaziabad, Khair (Aligarh) and Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar). A by-election is also due in Kundarki (Moradabad). Watch | Haryana Elections: BJP Delivers Shocker To Congress In Haryana Assembly Polls | WION Originals × Haryana shocker for Congress The Congress, which was expected to make a comeback in Haryana, got 37 of the 90 seats as the BJP won a third consecutive term with a score of 48. In Jammu and Kashmir, the NC-Congress alliance bagged 49 of the 90 seats but the grand old party won only six of the 32 it contested. Asked about SP's announcement, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai told PTI, "We have submitted a proposal about contesting 5 of the 10 seats to the high command. These were the seats won by BJP earlier." According to SP's official list, the party named Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, Naseem Solanki from Sisamau, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur, Ajit Prasad from Milkipur, Shobhawati Verma from Katehari and Jyoti Bind from Majhwan. Also read | Congress rejects 'totally unexpected' Haryana assembly elections results, files complaint with ECI Nine of these seats fell vacant after their respective MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls, while in Sisamau, the bypoll is being held due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Samajwadi Party and Congress to fight UP bypolls together, says Akhilesh, a day after allotting tickets

A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.

In a horrific incident, a woman's headless and naked body was found on the Kanpur-Delhi highway at Gujaini in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday,&nbsp;

The incident has triggered a massive hunt for the identification of the deceased. It has also raised suspicions that the woman was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.&nbsp;

The police officials said that they were examining the CCTV footage in nearby areas to ascertain the identity of the woman.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/womans-body-found-stuffed-in-almirah-in-new-delhi-allegedly-killed-by-live-in-partner-707869">Also read:&nbsp;Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner</a>

They further highlighted that in the early hours of Wednesday, a woman of a similar build was seen walking along the highway and the body was found on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The body has been sent for postmortem examination, the police added.&nbsp;

A senior police officer said that they are trying to figure&nbsp;out if it is a case of accident or crime and are also trying to confirm if the victim was a local resident or was from someplace else.&nbsp;

<h2>Political parties react to incident&nbsp;</h2>

Lok Sabha MP and chief of UP's main opposition Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government and demanded exemplary action in the case.&nbsp;

"In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman's headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated," Yadav said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape and murder case: Mamata government invites doctors for talks

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He added in a post on X, "An impartial probe should be conducted into this heinous crime rising above political affiliations... concrete steps must be taken to prevent crimes against the women."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway.

A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway. In a horrific incident, a woman's headless and naked body was found on the Kanpur-Delhi highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Wednesday, The incident has triggered a massive hunt for the identification of the deceased. It has also raised suspicions that the woman was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway. The police officials said that they were examining the CCTV footage in nearby areas to ascertain the identity of the woman. Also read: Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner They further highlighted that in the early hours of Wednesday, a woman of a similar build was seen walking along the highway and the body was found on Wednesday evening. The body has been sent for postmortem examination, the police added. A senior police officer said that they are trying to figure out if it is a case of accident or crime and are also trying to confirm if the victim was a local resident or was from someplace else. Political parties react to incident Lok Sabha MP and chief of UP's main opposition Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government and demanded exemplary action in the case. "In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman's headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated," Yadav said. Watch | Kolkata rape and murder case: Mamata government invites doctors for talks × He added in a post on X, "An impartial probe should be conducted into this heinous crime rising above political affiliations... concrete steps must be taken to prevent crimes against the women." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman's headless, naked body found on highway near Kanpur in UP

The mother of a 12-year-old girl, who was reportedly gangraped in Ayodhya, claims that local Samajwadi Party members pressured her to drop the complaint against Moid Khan, a party official, by offering her money.

As per an India Today report, the mother stated that Mohammed Rashid, SP's Bhadarsa Nagar Panchayat chairperson, offered her money to “settle the case”.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Sunday (Aug&nbsp;4) came to the defence of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, whose call for a DNA test for the two men accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya stirred a fresh controversy.

Dikshit told PTI, “What Akhilesh Yadav is asking for, the DNA tests, have been used in similar cases before to confirm the identity of the accused or when there are suspicions from the police or administration.”

On Saturday, Yadav had called for a DNA test for the two men accused of the crime. He stated, "Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP's allegation will be considered biased."

On Sunday, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Baburam Nishad, visited the family of the rape survivor in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. After the visit, Nishad said, "We spoke to the victim's mother and we will submit our report to the national leadership. Our Uttar Pradesh government is not going to spare the accused who committed this crime."

He also remarked, "Akhilesh Yadav talks about DNA testing. He talks about PDA but he cannot see&nbsp;and hear the pain of this daughter (victim). The government will take such action against them (accused) that many generations will remember it. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to increase the financial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-set-to-bring-bill-to-keep-unfettered-powers-of-waqf-board-in-check-746992">Indian government set to bring bill to keep 'unfettered' powers of Waqf Board in check</a>

BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have claimed that Moid Khan, who operates a bakery in Bhadarsa Nagar under the Purakalandar police station area, is affiliated with the Samajwadi Party and works with Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad.

Deputy Chief Minister Maurya commented on 'X' in Hindi, stating, "It is the Samajwadi Party's inherent trait to shield rapists."&nbsp;

<h2>What is the incident?</h2>

On July 30, Ayodhya police arrested Moid Khan and his employee Raju Khan for allegedly raping a minor two months ago and recording the incident. The crime was discovered after a recent medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant.

The Ayodhya gang rape case has taken a political turn, as it is being alleged said that Moid Khan is a member of the Samajwadi Party. Byelections will be held for 10 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Milkipur in Ayodhya, which was vacated by SP's Awadhesh Prasad after he won Lok Sabha seat. The dates for the by-elections haven't been decided yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

The mother of a 12-year-old girl, who was reportedly gangraped in Ayodhya, claims that local Samajwadi Party members pressured her to drop the complaint against Moid Khan, a party official, by offering her money.

The mother of a 12-year-old girl, who was reportedly gangraped in Ayodhya, claims that local Samajwadi Party members pressured her to drop the complaint against Moid Khan, a party official, by offering her money. As per an India Today report, the mother stated that Mohammed Rashid, SP's Bhadarsa Nagar Panchayat chairperson, offered her money to “settle the case”. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Sunday (Aug 4) came to the defence of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, whose call for a DNA test for the two men accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Ayodhya stirred a fresh controversy. Dikshit told PTI, “What Akhilesh Yadav is asking for, the DNA tests, have been used in similar cases before to confirm the identity of the accused or when there are suspicions from the police or administration.” On Saturday, Yadav had called for a DNA test for the two men accused of the crime. He stated, "Without a DNA test in the Bhadarsa case of Ayodhya, BJP's allegation will be considered biased." On Sunday, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, headed by Rajya Sabha MP Baburam Nishad, visited the family of the rape survivor in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. After the visit, Nishad said, "We spoke to the victim's mother and we will submit our report to the national leadership. Our Uttar Pradesh government is not going to spare the accused who committed this crime." He also remarked, "Akhilesh Yadav talks about DNA testing. He talks about PDA but he cannot see and hear the pain of this daughter (victim). The government will take such action against them (accused) that many generations will remember it. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to increase the financial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh." Also read: Indian government set to bring bill to keep 'unfettered' powers of Waqf Board in check BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have claimed that Moid Khan, who operates a bakery in Bhadarsa Nagar under the Purakalandar police station area, is affiliated with the Samajwadi Party and works with Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad. Deputy Chief Minister Maurya commented on 'X' in Hindi, stating, "It is the Samajwadi Party's inherent trait to shield rapists." What is the incident? On July 30, Ayodhya police arrested Moid Khan and his employee Raju Khan for allegedly raping a minor two months ago and recording the incident. The crime was discovered after a recent medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant. The Ayodhya gang rape case has taken a political turn, as it is being alleged said that Moid Khan is a member of the Samajwadi Party. Byelections will be held for 10 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Milkipur in Ayodhya, which was vacated by SP's Awadhesh Prasad after he won Lok Sabha seat. The dates for the by-elections haven't been decided yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya rape case: Survivor’s mother claims Samajwadi Party leaders told her to drop complaint, offered money

Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo, claimed on Saturday (July 6) that the officials in the Indian state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh are&nbsp;attempting to conceal its failure by making "minor arrests" and alleged&nbsp;the detentions&nbsp;related to the stampede in Hathras&nbsp;as a plot in itself.

In a post on X, Yadav sought a swift judicial investigation into the arrests and&nbsp;included a letter from Ankit Yadav, a Mainpuri district resident, claiming that his father had been falsely accused of being involved in the stampede.

“To hide its failure in the Hathras incident, the Uttar Pradesh government wants to shirk responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of people by making minor arrests. If this happens, it will mean that no one has learnt any lesson from the administrative failure in such events, and such accidents will keep repeating in the future," Yadav wrote.

"The government and administration are needlessly arresting people who were away from the original venue with a specific motive and is preparing to hold them guilty after the arrest," he added.&nbsp;

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उप्र शासन-प्रशासन ‘हाथरस हादसे’ में अपनी नाकामी छुपाने के लिए, छोटी-मोटी गिरफ़्तारियाँ दिखाकर सैकड़ों लोगों की मौत से अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का पल्ला झाड़ना चाहता है। अगर ऐसा हुआ तो इसका मतलब ये निकलेगा कि इस तरह के आयोजन में हुई शासनिक-प्रशासनिक विफलता से किसी ने कोई सबक़ नहीं लिया और… <a href="https://t.co/JTopRml0SL">pic.twitter.com/JTopRml0SL</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1809462402355978499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"These arrests are a conspiracy in itself. There should be an immediate judicial inquiry into these arrests so that the game of the BJP government of U.P. can be exposed in front of the public,” Yadav posted on X.

The former chief minister attacked the BJP administration, claiming that the government had no right to be in office if it claimed it had nothing to do with the incidents.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulgam-encounter-soldier-killed-4-terrorists-eliminated-says-police-738560">Kulgam encounter: Soldier killed, 4 terrorists eliminated, says police</a>

“Most of the poor people who attended this programme were exploited, oppressed, deprived, and suppressed; on this basis, it also means that the BJP government has no concern for such people. Whereas the government’s attention should first be directed towards such people,” he wrote.

To investigate the Hathras tragedy and the possibility of a conspiracy behind the stampede, the state government appointed a three-member judicial panel led by a former High Court judge.&nbsp;

So far, six 'sevadars' (volunteers), including the primary suspect Devprakash Madhukar, who was a member of the organising committee, have been taken into custody by the police.

(With inputs from agencies)

Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo, claimed on Saturday (July 6) that the officials in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are attempting to conceal its failure by making "minor arrests" and alleged the detentions related to the stampede in Hathras as a plot in itself.

Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo, claimed on Saturday (July 6) that the officials in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh are attempting to conceal its failure by making "minor arrests" and alleged the detentions related to the stampede in Hathras as a plot in itself. In a post on X, Yadav sought a swift judicial investigation into the arrests and included a letter from Ankit Yadav, a Mainpuri district resident, claiming that his father had been falsely accused of being involved in the stampede. “To hide its failure in the Hathras incident, the Uttar Pradesh government wants to shirk responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of people by making minor arrests. If this happens, it will mean that no one has learnt any lesson from the administrative failure in such events, and such accidents will keep repeating in the future," Yadav wrote. "The government and administration are needlessly arresting people who were away from the original venue with a specific motive and is preparing to hold them guilty after the arrest," he added. उप्र शासन-प्रशासन ‘हाथरस हादसे’ में अपनी नाकामी छुपाने के लिए, छोटी-मोटी गिरफ़्तारियाँ दिखाकर सैकड़ों लोगों की मौत से अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी का पल्ला झाड़ना चाहता है। अगर ऐसा हुआ तो इसका मतलब ये निकलेगा कि इस तरह के आयोजन में हुई शासनिक-प्रशासनिक विफलता से किसी ने कोई सबक़ नहीं लिया और… pic.twitter.com/JTopRml0SL — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 6, 2024 × "These arrests are a conspiracy in itself. There should be an immediate judicial inquiry into these arrests so that the game of the BJP government of U.P. can be exposed in front of the public,” Yadav posted on X. The former chief minister attacked the BJP administration, claiming that the government had no right to be in office if it claimed it had nothing to do with the incidents. Also read: Kulgam encounter: Soldier killed, 4 terrorists eliminated, says police “Most of the poor people who attended this programme were exploited, oppressed, deprived, and suppressed; on this basis, it also means that the BJP government has no concern for such people. Whereas the government’s attention should first be directed towards such people,” he wrote. To investigate the Hathras tragedy and the possibility of a conspiracy behind the stampede, the state government appointed a three-member judicial panel led by a former High Court judge. So far, six 'sevadars' (volunteers), including the primary suspect Devprakash Madhukar, who was a member of the organising committee, have been taken into custody by the police. (With inputs from agencies)

India stampede: Akhilesh Yadav alleges conspiracy in Hathras stampede arrests, demands judicial inquiry

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the INDIA bloc got into a political spat on Thursday over Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary's proposal to remove "Sengol" from the Parliament.&nbsp;

Chaudhary asked that the Constitution take the place of the Sengol, calling it a symbol of "monarchy" and challenging its continued existence in the Parliament.

Chaudhary said that he was “surprised” seeing the Sengol during his oath-taking in a letter to Om Birla, the speaker of the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

He stated that the Constitution is a symbol of democracy, but that the Sengol was put up in Parliament by the PM Modi-led BJP government.

“The Constitution is the holy book of democracy…Sengol means ‘Raj-Dand’ or ‘Raja ka Danda’...After ending the princely order, the country became independent. Will the country be run by ‘Raja ka danda’ or the Constitution? I demand that Sengol be removed from Parliament to save the Constitution”, the SP leader said.&nbsp;

“...Our Parliament is the temple of democracy and not the princely palace of some kingdom,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-row-supreme-court-pulls-up-national-testing-agency-over-inconsistent-marks-calculation-735611">NEET row: Supreme Court pulls up National Testing Agency over 'inconsistent' marks calculation</a>

The demand by the SP MP led to huge criticism from the ruling BJP and its alliance partners.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to X to write,&nbsp;"Samajwadi Party has no respect for Indian history or culture. The remarks of their top leaders on the Sengol are condemnable and indicate their ignorance. It also shows INDI Alliance's hatred to Tamil culture in particular."

Union minister and BJP leader Chirag Paswan questioned the opposition, accusing them of coming to Parliament to engage in "controversial politics."&nbsp;

“The way such symbols have been tried to be shown in the wrong light for so many decades, today when they are given due respect by our Prime Minister, why are you offended by all these things? Why can’t these opposition leaders think of positive politics?” Paswan said.

Shehzad Poonwalla, the spokesperson for the BJP, took aim at the SP, saying, "The Samajwadi Party earlier attacked and abused Ramcharitmanas and now Sengol."&nbsp;

He added that it is a feature of Indian culture, especially Tamil culture, and he questioned the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the INDIA bloc's partner, about their support for such an insult.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-parts-of-delhi-ncr-receive-light-rain-735617">India: Parts of Delhi-NCR receive light rain</a>

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He questioned why Jawaharlal Nehru, the former prime minister, had first embraced the Sengol.

However, Chief of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav defended Chaudhary's comments by saying, “When Sengol was installed, the Prime Minister had bowed to it. But he forgot to bow while taking the oath this time. I think our MP wanted to remind the Prime Minister about it.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore also backed Chaudhary's petition and claimed that the government caused drama by placing Sengol during the inauguration of the new Parliament.

Misa Bharti, a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP, stated, “It should be removed because it is a democratic country. The Sengol should be kept in the museum where people can come and see...”

During the opening of the new Parliament building in May of last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the "Sengol" sceptre in the Lok Sabha chamber next to the Speaker's chair.&nbsp;

Spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu presented Modi with this precious relic, which was initially given to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947. Modi chose Sengol as the national symbol of the 'Amrit Kaal.'

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the INDIA bloc got into a political spat on Thursday over Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary's proposal to remove "Sengol" from the Parliament.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the INDIA bloc got into a political spat on Thursday over Samajwadi Party MP RK Chaudhary's proposal to remove "Sengol" from the Parliament. Chaudhary asked that the Constitution take the place of the Sengol, calling it a symbol of "monarchy" and challenging its continued existence in the Parliament. Chaudhary said that he was “surprised” seeing the Sengol during his oath-taking in a letter to Om Birla, the speaker of the Lok Sabha. He stated that the Constitution is a symbol of democracy, but that the Sengol was put up in Parliament by the PM Modi-led BJP government. “The Constitution is the holy book of democracy…Sengol means ‘Raj-Dand’ or ‘Raja ka Danda’...After ending the princely order, the country became independent. Will the country be run by ‘Raja ka danda’ or the Constitution? I demand that Sengol be removed from Parliament to save the Constitution”, the SP leader said. “...Our Parliament is the temple of democracy and not the princely palace of some kingdom,” he added. Also read: NEET row: Supreme Court pulls up National Testing Agency over 'inconsistent' marks calculation The demand by the SP MP led to huge criticism from the ruling BJP and its alliance partners. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to X to write, "Samajwadi Party has no respect for Indian history or culture. The remarks of their top leaders on the Sengol are condemnable and indicate their ignorance. It also shows INDI Alliance's hatred to Tamil culture in particular." Union minister and BJP leader Chirag Paswan questioned the opposition, accusing them of coming to Parliament to engage in "controversial politics." “The way such symbols have been tried to be shown in the wrong light for so many decades, today when they are given due respect by our Prime Minister, why are you offended by all these things? Why can’t these opposition leaders think of positive politics?” Paswan said. Shehzad Poonwalla, the spokesperson for the BJP, took aim at the SP, saying, "The Samajwadi Party earlier attacked and abused Ramcharitmanas and now Sengol." He added that it is a feature of Indian culture, especially Tamil culture, and he questioned the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the INDIA bloc's partner, about their support for such an insult. Watch | India: Parts of Delhi-NCR receive light rain × He questioned why Jawaharlal Nehru, the former prime minister, had first embraced the Sengol. However, Chief of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav defended Chaudhary's comments by saying, “When Sengol was installed, the Prime Minister had bowed to it. But he forgot to bow while taking the oath this time. I think our MP wanted to remind the Prime Minister about it.” Congress MP Manickam Tagore also backed Chaudhary's petition and claimed that the government caused drama by placing Sengol during the inauguration of the new Parliament. Misa Bharti, a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP, stated, “It should be removed because it is a democratic country. The Sengol should be kept in the museum where people can come and see...” During the opening of the new Parliament building in May of last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put the "Sengol" sceptre in the Lok Sabha chamber next to the Speaker's chair. Spiritual leaders from Tamil Nadu presented Modi with this precious relic, which was initially given to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947. Modi chose Sengol as the national symbol of the 'Amrit Kaal.' (With inputs from agencies)

'Raja ka danda or Constitution?' BJP and INDIA bloc spar over removal of sengol from Parliament

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 took a twisted turn as in the battle between NDA and INDIA alliance, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party&nbsp;emerged as the true winner.&nbsp;

After the debacle in the 2017 polls, Yadav gave his best-ever performance in this Lok Sabha elections as his party clinched victory in 37 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh and became the single-largest party in the most populous state of the country.&nbsp;

The results were unexpected as the exit polls had also predicted big gains for the BJP in this state, which was reduced to 33 seats from 62 in 2019. The Samajwadi Party emerged as the third largest party after the BJP and&nbsp;Congress.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-nitish-kumar-tejashwi-yadav-in-same-flight-to-delhi-netizens-say-they-may-land-in-10-janpath-728890">Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav&nbsp;in same flight to Delhi, netizens say they may land in 10 Janpath</a>

The INDIA bloc gave a huge blow to the NDA in the state as the alliance won 43 seats in the state. But the Samajwadi Party had its biggest leap as its voter base multiplied seven times from its five-seat tally in 2019.

<h2>Akhilesh's PDA formula, the revival of 'UP ke ladkey' image struck a chord&nbsp;</h2>

In the 2024 elections, Akhilesh Yadav reworked his long-tested formula and named it PDA - Pichada (backwards including Yadavs and non-Yadavs), Dalits and Alpsankhyaks (minorities, largely Muslims).

Yadav bolstered the PDA formula amid the demand for caste census and also held a PDA-caste census bus yatra across the state.

As Akhilesh rode on top of the red bus, “Samajik Nyay Jaatiya Janganana Rasta (Caste census is the path to social justice)” remained boldly printed on all of its sides.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NDA, I.N.D.I.A meeting in Delhi | Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge kingmakers

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He also galvanised the campaign and agenda of the party. The party was reorganised and the ticket distribution plan was made keeping in mind PDA and caste census. The results later showed Yadav's caste card easily countered the BJP’s Hindutva and Ram Mandir.

Before the 2024 polls,&nbsp;Samajwadi Party's national and state executives were reorganised and most of the posts were given to non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, Muslims, and Yadavs.

He applied the same formula to&nbsp;ticket distribution for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Among the 62 seats on which the Samajwadi Party contested, tickets were given to 27 non-Yadav OBCs, five Yadavs (all Yadav family members of the SP), 15 Dalits, four Muslims, and 11 upper caste leaders.

Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unity further revived their “UP ke ladkey” image in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 took a twisted turn as in the battle between NDA and INDIA alliance, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party emerged as the true winner.

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 took a twisted turn as in the battle between NDA and INDIA alliance, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party emerged as the true winner. After the debacle in the 2017 polls, Yadav gave his best-ever performance in this Lok Sabha elections as his party clinched victory in 37 of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh and became the single-largest party in the most populous state of the country. The results were unexpected as the exit polls had also predicted big gains for the BJP in this state, which was reduced to 33 seats from 62 in 2019. The Samajwadi Party emerged as the third largest party after the BJP and Congress. Also Read: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav in same flight to Delhi, netizens say they may land in 10 Janpath The INDIA bloc gave a huge blow to the NDA in the state as the alliance won 43 seats in the state. But the Samajwadi Party had its biggest leap as its voter base multiplied seven times from its five-seat tally in 2019. Akhilesh's PDA formula, the revival of 'UP ke ladkey' image struck a chord In the 2024 elections, Akhilesh Yadav reworked his long-tested formula and named it PDA - Pichada (backwards including Yadavs and non-Yadavs), Dalits and Alpsankhyaks (minorities, largely Muslims). Yadav bolstered the PDA formula amid the demand for caste census and also held a PDA-caste census bus yatra across the state. As Akhilesh rode on top of the red bus, “Samajik Nyay Jaatiya Janganana Rasta (Caste census is the path to social justice)” remained boldly printed on all of its sides. Watch: NDA, I.N.D.I.A meeting in Delhi | Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu emerge kingmakers He also galvanised the campaign and agenda of the party. The party was reorganised and the ticket distribution plan was made keeping in mind PDA and caste census. The results later showed Yadav's caste card easily countered the BJP’s Hindutva and Ram Mandir. Before the 2024 polls, Samajwadi Party's national and state executives were reorganised and most of the posts were given to non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, Muslims, and Yadavs. He applied the same formula to ticket distribution for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Among the 62 seats on which the Samajwadi Party contested, tickets were given to 27 non-Yadav OBCs, five Yadavs (all Yadav family members of the SP), 15 Dalits, four Muslims, and 11 upper caste leaders. Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unity further revived their “UP ke ladkey” image in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Akhilesh Yadav: The 'son of UP' whose PDA stole the show from BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling government in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is facing major disappointment as the Samajwadi Party (SP) won 37 seats, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling government in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is facing major disappointment as the Samajwadi Party (SP) won 37 seats, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed. The latest data from the ECI shows the BJP won 33 seats while the Congress won six seats. The Congress and the SP contested the elections together as part of the INDIA bloc. Here's a look at the updates from Uttar Pradesh: 1) In the Varanasi constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defeated Congress leader Ajay Rai by a margin of 152,513 votes. In the Kaiserganj constituency, BJP leader Karan Bhushan Singh defeated SP's Bhagat Ram by a margin of 148,843 votes. Also read | Click here to read the full list of winners in Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections 2) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, also won in UP's Rae Bareli as he defeated BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a massive margin of 390,030 votes. 3) SP leader Dimple Yadav emerged victorious from the Mainpuri constituency, defeating BJP's Jayveer Singh by a margin of 221,639 votes. #WATCH | After winning from Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency, SP leader Dimple Yadav says, "I thank the voters of Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat…The development of the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat will be the priority of Samajwadi Party….The public of Uttar Pradesh has… https://t.co/rpb018nuAy pic.twitter.com/pVw68BVEP6 — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024 × 4) Union Minister Smriti Irani has lost from Amethi. She was defeated by Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of 167,196 votes. 5) Accepting her defeat, Irani told reporters, "...I express my gratitude to all the BJP party workers and supporters, those who have worked in the service of the constituency and the party with utmost dedication and fidelity...Today, I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath that their governments have completed the pending works of 30 years in just 5 years. I congratulate those who win. I will continue to be in the service of the people of Amethi..." 6) Former Uttar Praesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav defeated BJP's Subrat Pathak in the Kannauj constituency by a margin of 170,922 votes.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections results: Huge UPset for BJP in state, Rahul wins big in Rae Bareli

Akhilesh Yadav's rally in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia witnessed a security breach attempt by a man who ran towards the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief at lightning speed before being caught by the security personnel.

The video of the incident that surfaced on social media showed the man making an unsuccessful attempt to hop on the stage when the commandos caught hold of him and sent him back to where the crowd was seated.

This is the second such incident reported in a week's time.

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ये कमांडो है पत्ता हिलने से पहले पेड़ काट डालता है- बलिया के फेफना में अखिलेश यादव की तरफ़ पहुँच रहे व्यक्ति को कमांडो ने विद्युत गति से पकड़ा !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6_%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8B?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#अखिलेश_के_कमाण्डो</a> <a href="https://t.co/pulyT0jRrt">pic.twitter.com/pulyT0jRrt</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (Son Of PDA) (@SocialistLeadr) <a href="https://twitter.com/SocialistLeadr/status/1794723691194098173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier, a stampede-like situation erupted in Prayagraj's Phulpur constituency when the crowd broke the barricades and almost approached the dais which forced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Yadav to cut short their public meeting.

The workers of both parties went out of control and tried to get to the stage to meet Gandhi and Yadav. The situation worsened when the crowd barged through the barricades making it difficult for the police to contain the mob.

Gandhi and Yadav did not address the people and had to abruptly exit the campaign rally which was organised in support of Amarnath Maurya contesting from the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat on an SP ticket.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like situation took place in the joint public meeting of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Phulpur constituency, in Prayagraj. 
 
Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav left the public meeting without addressing the… <a href="https://t.co/fPW2tgaWOP">pic.twitter.com/fPW2tgaWOP</a>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallikarjun-kharge-draws-parallels-between-pm-modi-and-poison-still-insist-on-licking-it-725387">Mallikarjun Kharge draws parallels between PM Modi and poison; ‘still insist on licking it’</a>

<h2>Yadav targets PM Modi for 'mujra' remark</h2>

Earlier today, the Samajwadi Party chief took a jibe at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'mujra' remark stating that the PM's speech was faltering because of his waning confidence.

"When the self-confidence is faltering, the speech also falters. There is a decrease in his confidence. And as a result, he is using such language," Yadav told reporters.

This came after PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc on Saturday (May 25) stating that he will not let them snatch away the reservation benefits constitutionally accorded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities (OBCs), even if they perform "mujra" (dance) before their purported vote bank.

"I am giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC/ST/OBC communities, till Modi is alive, I will not let them snatch away their rights. For Modi, the Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDIA bloc wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform mujra (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC/ST/OBC reservation staunchly," PM Modi said while addressing an election rally in Bihar's Pataliputra.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Akhilesh Yadav's rally in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia witnessed a security breach attempt by a man who ran towards the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief at lightning speed before being caught by the security personnel.

Akhilesh Yadav's rally in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia witnessed a security breach attempt by a man who ran towards the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief at lightning speed before being caught by the security personnel. The video of the incident that surfaced on social media showed the man making an unsuccessful attempt to hop on the stage when the commandos caught hold of him and sent him back to where the crowd was seated. This is the second such incident reported in a week's time. ये कमांडो है पत्ता हिलने से पहले पेड़ काट डालता है- बलिया के फेफना में अखिलेश यादव की तरफ़ पहुँच रहे व्यक्ति को कमांडो ने विद्युत गति से पकड़ा !! #अखिलेश_के_कमाण्डो pic.twitter.com/pulyT0jRrt — Akhilesh Yadav (Son Of PDA) (@SocialistLeadr) May 26, 2024 × Earlier, a stampede-like situation erupted in Prayagraj's Phulpur constituency when the crowd broke the barricades and almost approached the dais which forced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Yadav to cut short their public meeting. The workers of both parties went out of control and tried to get to the stage to meet Gandhi and Yadav. The situation worsened when the crowd barged through the barricades making it difficult for the police to contain the mob. Gandhi and Yadav did not address the people and had to abruptly exit the campaign rally which was organised in support of Amarnath Maurya contesting from the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat on an SP ticket. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like situation took place in the joint public meeting of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Phulpur constituency, in Prayagraj. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav left the public meeting without addressing the… pic.twitter.com/fPW2tgaWOP — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2024 × Also read: Mallikarjun Kharge draws parallels between PM Modi and poison; ‘still insist on licking it’ Yadav targets PM Modi for 'mujra' remark Earlier today, the Samajwadi Party chief took a jibe at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'mujra' remark stating that the PM's speech was faltering because of his waning confidence. "When the self-confidence is faltering, the speech also falters. There is a decrease in his confidence. And as a result, he is using such language," Yadav told reporters. This came after PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA bloc on Saturday (May 25) stating that he will not let them snatch away the reservation benefits constitutionally accorded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities (OBCs), even if they perform "mujra" (dance) before their purported vote bank. "I am giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC/ST/OBC communities, till Modi is alive, I will not let them snatch away their rights. For Modi, the Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDIA bloc wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform mujra (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC/ST/OBC reservation staunchly," PM Modi said while addressing an election rally in Bihar's Pataliputra. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Man attempts to hop on stage to meet Akhilesh Yadav, security staff foil bid

A stampede-like situation erupted in Prayagraj's Phulpur constituency when the crowd broke the barricades and almost approached the dais which forced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to cut short their public meeting.

The workers of both parties went out of control and tried to get to the stage to meet Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. The situation worsened when the crowd barged through the barricades making it difficult for the police to contain the mob.

Gandhi and Yadav did not address the people and had to abruptly exit the campaign rally which was organised in support of Amarnath Maurya, who is contesting from the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat on an SP ticket.

Explaining the situation, Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh said, "The crowd had become too big, and there weren't enough police officers, which caused the crowd to become uncontrollable and rush towards the stage. As a result, Akhilesh Ji and Rahul Ji had to leave without giving their speeches."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like situation took place in the joint public meeting of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Phulpur constituency, in Prayagraj. 
 
Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav left the public meeting without addressing the… <a href="https://t.co/fPW2tgaWOP">pic.twitter.com/fPW2tgaWOP</a>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-kharge-accuses-pm-modi-of-provoking-people-calls-on-ed-to-take-action-722814">Lok Sabha polls: Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘provoking’ people, calls on ED to take action</a>

Singh said that the joint rally highlighted the strategic alliance between Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

"This is a strategy because both are in an alliance. The Samajwadi Party and Congress have an alliance," he said.

He then reacted to BJP's claim of winning more than 400 seats in the elections saying that such kinds of rallies showed what people exactly want.

"These rallies show what the people want. These people intend to change the Constitution, and they have already said so, which is why they are shouting '400 Paar'. The people themselves are fighting this election to save the Constitution and to protect reservations," Singh remarked.

The polling in the Phulpur constituency will be conducted on May 25, which is the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) is contesting the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat in alliance with the Congress party on a 63:17 formula.

SP's Amarnath Maurya is in fray against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP's) Praveen Patel.

(With inputs from agencies)

A stampede-like situation erupted in Prayagraj's Phulpur constituency when the crowd broke the barricades and almost approached the dais which forced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to cut short their public meeting.

A stampede-like situation erupted in Prayagraj's Phulpur constituency when the crowd broke the barricades and almost approached the dais which forced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to cut short their public meeting. The workers of both parties went out of control and tried to get to the stage to meet Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. The situation worsened when the crowd barged through the barricades making it difficult for the police to contain the mob. Gandhi and Yadav did not address the people and had to abruptly exit the campaign rally which was organised in support of Amarnath Maurya, who is contesting from the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat on an SP ticket. Explaining the situation, Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh said, "The crowd had become too big, and there weren't enough police officers, which caused the crowd to become uncontrollable and rush towards the stage. As a result, Akhilesh Ji and Rahul Ji had to leave without giving their speeches." #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like situation took place in the joint public meeting of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Phulpur constituency, in Prayagraj. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav left the public meeting without addressing the… pic.twitter.com/fPW2tgaWOP — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2024 × Also read: Lok Sabha polls: Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘provoking’ people, calls on ED to take action Singh said that the joint rally highlighted the strategic alliance between Congress and the Samajwadi Party. "This is a strategy because both are in an alliance. The Samajwadi Party and Congress have an alliance," he said. He then reacted to BJP's claim of winning more than 400 seats in the elections saying that such kinds of rallies showed what people exactly want. "These rallies show what the people want. These people intend to change the Constitution, and they have already said so, which is why they are shouting '400 Paar'. The people themselves are fighting this election to save the Constitution and to protect reservations," Singh remarked. The polling in the Phulpur constituency will be conducted on May 25, which is the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Samajwadi Party (SP) is contesting the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat in alliance with the Congress party on a 63:17 formula. SP's Amarnath Maurya is in fray against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP's) Praveen Patel. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav abruptly exit election rally in UP’s Phulpur as crowd turns uncontrollable

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal.

"I want to ask one question from the SP's 'shehzade,' since you are so close to your new bua (Mamata Banerjee), have you ever asked her why she calls people from UP outsiders in West Bengal," PM Modi said as he launched a scathing attack at former UP chief minister.

"We all are Indians. We are the children of 'Bharat Mata'. Then why TMC [Trinamool Congress] abuses people from Uttar Pradesh who go there? 'Are Babua, zara apni bua ko puch to lo [please ask your aunt]' And after abusing them, she comes to Uttar Pradesh and asks for votes," he added.

"There is only one thing that connects SP and TMC and that is appeasement. The contractors of appeasement want to change India's identity," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-recommends-increase-in-reservation-quota-for-obcs-in-public-employment-in-punjab-west-bengal-722057">Centre recommends increase in reservation quota for OBCs in public employment in Punjab, West Bengal</a>

<h2>PM Modi denounces Congress and SP's stance on Ram Mandir</h2>

The Indian prime minister further denounced the Congress and the Samajwadi Party's stance on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and accused Rahul Gandhi of intending to put up a lock on the Hindu temple.

"During their time (SP's rule), what kind of condition used to be of roads and ghats of Ayodhya and Banaras? Tell me, didn't you (the public) feel hurt by seeing such a situation? ... Today, the magnificent mandir is in front of our eyes. When Ram Lalla was in the tent, didn't you feel the pain? Ram Lalla has been seated in Ram mandir but these people are still not accepting it.

"SP leaders are saying that Ram Mandir is useless. The Shehzada of Congress (Rahul Gandhi) wants to change the court order and put up a lock on Ram Mandir and wants to force Ram Lalla to live in a tent. Will you let their intentions be a success?"

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (May 16), took a swipe at Samajwadi Party's leader Akhilesh Yadav, saying he should question Mamata Banerjee as to why she calls the people hailing from UP as outsiders in West Bengal. "I want to ask one question from the SP's 'shehzade,' since you are so close to your new bua (Mamata Banerjee), have you ever asked her why she calls people from UP outsiders in West Bengal," PM Modi said as he launched a scathing attack at former UP chief minister. "We all are Indians. We are the children of 'Bharat Mata'. Then why TMC [Trinamool Congress] abuses people from Uttar Pradesh who go there? 'Are Babua, zara apni bua ko puch to lo [please ask your aunt]' And after abusing them, she comes to Uttar Pradesh and asks for votes," he added. "There is only one thing that connects SP and TMC and that is appeasement. The contractors of appeasement want to change India's identity," the Indian prime minister said. Also read: Centre recommends increase in reservation quota for OBCs in public employment in Punjab, West Bengal PM Modi denounces Congress and SP's stance on Ram Mandir The Indian prime minister further denounced the Congress and the Samajwadi Party's stance on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and accused Rahul Gandhi of intending to put up a lock on the Hindu temple. "During their time (SP's rule), what kind of condition used to be of roads and ghats of Ayodhya and Banaras? Tell me, didn't you (the public) feel hurt by seeing such a situation? ... Today, the magnificent mandir is in front of our eyes. When Ram Lalla was in the tent, didn't you feel the pain? Ram Lalla has been seated in Ram mandir but these people are still not accepting it. "SP leaders are saying that Ram Mandir is useless. The Shehzada of Congress (Rahul Gandhi) wants to change the court order and put up a lock on Ram Mandir and wants to force Ram Lalla to live in a tent. Will you let their intentions be a success?" (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi takes dig at Akhilesh Yadav; 'ask Mamata why she calls people of UP outsiders'

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj, the seat that has sent him to parliament three times.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj, the seat that has sent him to parliament three times. Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday (Apr 25) filed his papers from Kanuaj. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav files his nomination from Kannauj, Subrat Pathak. (Video Source: District PRO)#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/Iy6PWFpqd2 — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024 × He won from this seat three times. His wife, Dimple Yadav, and father, the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, also contested this seat in the past. Akhilesh Yadav's homecoming Yadav's return to Kannauj means that SP leader Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, who was nominated as the candidate earlier this week, will not run for this seat. Tej Pratap Yadav is Akhilesh Yadav's nephew and the grandson of Mulayam Yadav's brother Ranveer. He won the Mainpuri seat in the 2014 election. According to reports, the change was due to tension among SP workers on the ground, who wanted the party head to run for the family seat. Yadav had previously decided against running in this election because he needed time to develop his overall strategy. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Smriti Irani reacts sarcastically to ‘Amethi wants Robert Vadra’ posters Kannauj: An ex-bastion of Samajwadi Party Kannauj was a bastion of the Samajwadi Party till the BJP's Subrat Pathak won in 2019. The seat was won by Akhilesh Yadav in the 2000 by-election, and he held it in the general elections of 2004 and 2009. Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's wife, won the seat in 2012 by-polls. She retained it in the 2014 election but lost to BJP's Subrat Pathak in 2019. She was later fielded from Mainpuri in the 2022 by-poll following the death of Mulayam Singh Yadav. She is again contesting from the Mainpuri seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In this election, the SP has allied with the Congress-led INDIA Bloc. It is contesting 63 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats. The remaining 17 have been given to Congress. Kannauj will vote in the fourth phase of the 2024 elections, on May 13.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav files nomination in UP's Kannauj

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively.

The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/lok-sabha-elections-2024-emerging-battles-reeling-scions-1709398368978">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions</a>

Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with&nbsp;another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister&nbsp;Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna&nbsp;— India's highest civilian honour.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA

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With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sps-akhilesh-yadav-shuns-rahul-gandhis-march-as-deeper-crack-appears-in-oppn-india-bloc-691721">SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc</a>

The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city&nbsp;has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region&nbsp;known as Poorvanchal.

But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state.

To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and Jaat community.

<h2>Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds</h2>

As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds.&nbsp;

Kannauj: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj.

Azamgarh: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side.&nbsp;

Mainpuri: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri.

Badaun: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively. The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders. Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour. Also watch | India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA × With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party. Also read | SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region known as Poorvanchal. But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state. To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and Jaat community. Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds. Kannauj: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj. Azamgarh: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side. Mainpuri: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri. Badaun: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.

Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make Yadavs win in Samajwadi Party strongholds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency.

The reports said the sources revealed that the former chief minister of the northern Uttar Pradesh state is scheduled to undergo questioning on February 29.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sps-akhilesh-yadav-shuns-rahul-gandhis-march-as-deeper-crack-appears-in-oppn-india-bloc-691721">SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc</a>

Akhilesh Yadav had previously headed the mining department from 2012 to June 2013.

Illegal mining incidents were reported in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh including Shamli, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Deoria, Saharanpur, Hamirpur and Siddharthnagar.

The allegations suggest that government officials unlawfully allocated mining sites, disregarding rules and regulations between 2012 and 2016. The mining rights were granted in violation of NGT (National Green Tribunal) orders, according to the agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-akhilesh-yadav-hints-seat-sharing-talks-with-congress-finalised-692297">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party and Congress finalise seat-sharing plan</a>

The CBI contends that on February 17, 2013, leases were unlawfully granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B Chandrakala, in contravention of the 2012 e-tender policy.

This approval was reportedly obtained from the chief minister's office, despite the fact that the policy had received validation from the Allahabad High Court on January 29 of the same year.

In January 2019, the CBI conducted searches at 14 locations in connection with its FIR against 11 individuals, including IAS officer B Chandrakala, Samajwadi Party MLC Ramesh Kumar Mishra, and Sanjay Dixit, who unsuccessfully contested the 2017 assembly election on a BSP ticket.

Akhilesh Yadav served as the Minister of Mining from 2012 to June 2013, placing his actions under scrutiny. Subsequently, Gayatri Prajapati took over the post&nbsp;in 2013. Prajapati faced arrest in 2017 following an allegation of rape made by a woman residing in Chitrakoot.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency. The reports said the sources revealed that the former chief minister of the northern Uttar Pradesh state is scheduled to undergo questioning on February 29. Also read: SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc Akhilesh Yadav had previously headed the mining department from 2012 to June 2013. Illegal mining incidents were reported in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh including Shamli, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Deoria, Saharanpur, Hamirpur and Siddharthnagar. The allegations suggest that government officials unlawfully allocated mining sites, disregarding rules and regulations between 2012 and 2016. The mining rights were granted in violation of NGT (National Green Tribunal) orders, according to the agency. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party and Congress finalise seat-sharing plan The CBI contends that on February 17, 2013, leases were unlawfully granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B Chandrakala, in contravention of the 2012 e-tender policy. This approval was reportedly obtained from the chief minister's office, despite the fact that the policy had received validation from the Allahabad High Court on January 29 of the same year. In January 2019, the CBI conducted searches at 14 locations in connection with its FIR against 11 individuals, including IAS officer B Chandrakala, Samajwadi Party MLC Ramesh Kumar Mishra, and Sanjay Dixit, who unsuccessfully contested the 2017 assembly election on a BSP ticket. Akhilesh Yadav served as the Minister of Mining from 2012 to June 2013, placing his actions under scrutiny. Subsequently, Gayatri Prajapati took over the post in 2013. Prajapati faced arrest in 2017 following an allegation of rape made by a woman residing in Chitrakoot. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian probe agency CBI calls Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav as witness in illegal mining case: Reports

Congress leader in Uttar Pradesh On Wednesday, Avinash Pande declared that the party would contest only 17 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections.

He stated that candidates from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and other parties in the INDIA alliance will contest the remaining 63 seats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/general-elections-2024-9688-crore-people-registered-to-vote-for-polls-election-commission-688693">India General Elections 2024: 986.8 million people registered to vote</a>

Ajay Rai, the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, said, "The NDA would be defeated by the INDIA alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress-Samajwadi Party's approach is to steadfastly support one another."

The Congress will contest the seats in Kanpur City, Fatehpur Sekri, Basgaon, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Maharajganj, Amroha, Jhansi, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Mathura, Sitapur, Barabanki, and Deoria in addition to Rae Bareli, Amethi, and Varanasi, as per Naresh Uttam Patel, the state chief of the SP.

Earlier in the day SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was quoted saying, 'All's well that ends well', suggesting&nbsp;that the seat-sharing discussions with Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections have concluded.

"Everything will be out in the open soon," Yadav stated.

When asked how many Lok Sabha seats the Samajwadi Party would contest in UP, Yadav responded, "As many as we can compete, the maximum.”<meta name="generator" content="quillbot-pphr" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-five-states-assembly-elections-impact-bjp-congresss-chances-in-the-lok-sabha-polls-662433" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-five-states-assembly-elections-impact-bjp-congresss-chances-in-the-lok-sabha-polls-662433&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6uID3jryEAxUCbPUHHT7uAXIQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WRQ1HtIV3PDJ-PbkiuIz1" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-five-states-assembly-elections-impact-bjp-congresss-chances-in-the-lok-sabha-polls-662433" target="_blank">Explained: How will&nbsp;elections&nbsp;in 5&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;states impact BJP</a>

 
This year's Lok Sabha elections are slated for April and May.&nbsp;

On Monday, the party led by Akhilesh Yadav declared the names of 11 more candidates for the Lok Sabha elections; on January 30, the party had declared 16 candidates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader in Uttar Pradesh On Wednesday, Avinash Pande declared that the party would contest only 17 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections.

Congress leader in Uttar Pradesh On Wednesday, Avinash Pande declared that the party would contest only 17 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections. He stated that candidates from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and other parties in the INDIA alliance will contest the remaining 63 seats. Also read: India General Elections 2024: 986.8 million people registered to vote Ajay Rai, the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, said, "The NDA would be defeated by the INDIA alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress-Samajwadi Party's approach is to steadfastly support one another." The Congress will contest the seats in Kanpur City, Fatehpur Sekri, Basgaon, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Maharajganj, Amroha, Jhansi, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Mathura, Sitapur, Barabanki, and Deoria in addition to Rae Bareli, Amethi, and Varanasi, as per Naresh Uttam Patel, the state chief of the SP. Earlier in the day SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was quoted saying, 'All's well that ends well', suggesting that the seat-sharing discussions with Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections have concluded. "Everything will be out in the open soon," Yadav stated. When asked how many Lok Sabha seats the Samajwadi Party would contest in UP, Yadav responded, "As many as we can compete, the maximum.” Also read: Explained: How will elections in 5 Indian states impact BJP This year's Lok Sabha elections are slated for April and May. On Monday, the party led by Akhilesh Yadav declared the names of 11 more candidates for the Lok Sabha elections; on January 30, the party had declared 16 candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party and Congress finalise seat-sharing plan

Samajwadi Party (SP), a major opposition party in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, dealt a big blow to Congress as it declared not to participate in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (Unite India Justice March).

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav said his party will endorse and join the march only after a seat-sharing agreement is finalised with India’s biggest opposition party. Both SP and Congress are part of the opposition INDIA bloc, launched last year to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming general elections.

"Discussions are ongoing. Lists are coming from both sides. Once the seat allocation is finalised, the Samajwadi Party will join the Congress' Nyay Yatra," Akhilesh Yadav said.

<h2>Friction emerges between SP and Congress</h2>

India Today reported that de-facto Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is adamant about keeping certain seats, which has annoyed the SP chief.

Gandhi’s march is set to enter UP’s Rae Bareli, where Yadav had earlier said he would join.

"The number of seats and the names of the seats had already been decided, but Rahul Gandhi is adamant on certain seats, causing a delay in finalising the alliance," a source was quoted as saying by India Today.

Watch:&nbsp;India: Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment faces surge

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As per reports, negotiations are underway between top leaders of Congress, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, and SP but no final deal has been hammered out yet.

<h2>SP releases second list of candidates</h2>

Hours after shunning Gandhi’s march, the SP went on to release the second list of its 11 candidates for parliamentary elections.

Earlier, the party released its first list of 16 candidates on January 30.

The ongoing friction between SP and Congress further lays bare the challenges faced by the INDIA bloc, which is already grappling with a lack of consensus over seat sharing in states like Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab.

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West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee earlier said she won’t fight elections under the INDIA umbrella. Days later, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also declared to contest 13 seats alone and not partner with Congress.

(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party (SP), a major opposition party in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, dealt a big blow to Congress as it declared not to participate in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (Unite India Justice March).

Samajwadi Party (SP), a major opposition party in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, dealt a big blow to Congress as it declared not to participate in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (Unite India Justice March). SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav said his party will endorse and join the march only after a seat-sharing agreement is finalised with India’s biggest opposition party. Both SP and Congress are part of the opposition INDIA bloc, launched last year to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming general elections. "Discussions are ongoing. Lists are coming from both sides. Once the seat allocation is finalised, the Samajwadi Party will join the Congress' Nyay Yatra," Akhilesh Yadav said. Friction emerges between SP and Congress India Today reported that de-facto Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is adamant about keeping certain seats, which has annoyed the SP chief. Gandhi’s march is set to enter UP’s Rae Bareli, where Yadav had earlier said he would join. "The number of seats and the names of the seats had already been decided, but Rahul Gandhi is adamant on certain seats, causing a delay in finalising the alliance," a source was quoted as saying by India Today. Watch: India: Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment faces surge × As per reports, negotiations are underway between top leaders of Congress, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, and SP but no final deal has been hammered out yet. SP releases second list of candidates Hours after shunning Gandhi’s march, the SP went on to release the second list of its 11 candidates for parliamentary elections. Earlier, the party released its first list of 16 candidates on January 30. The ongoing friction between SP and Congress further lays bare the challenges faced by the INDIA bloc, which is already grappling with a lack of consensus over seat sharing in states like Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab. Also read: 'From red tape to red carpet,' Indian PM blasts opposition while inaugurating 14000 projects West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee earlier said she won’t fight elections under the INDIA umbrella. Days later, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also declared to contest 13 seats alone and not partner with Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc

Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Yadav took to his official X account and wrote, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. 'INDIA' team and 'PDA' strategy will change history."

The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and the Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in April-May this year.

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कांग्रेस के साथ 11 मज़बूत सीटों से हमारे सौहार्दपूर्ण गठबंधन की अच्छी शुरुआत हो रही है… ये सिलसिला जीत के समीकरण के साथ और भी आगे बढ़ेगा। 
 
‘इंडिया’ की टीम और ‘पीडीए’ की रणनीति इतिहास बदल देगी।
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1751150323379708043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in January, Yadav held a meeting with party leaders including former MPs, former MLAs, and former MLCs in Lucknow. He stated that the capacity to win was the most crucial criterion that would be taken into consideration for deciding on seats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a>

"We and RLD's Jayant Choudhary had a good conversation. We had a discussion regarding seven seats. We are also in conversation with the Congress. Several meetings have taken place in Delhi. Very soon, more meetings will be held, and a way will be found. The INDIA alliance should be strong; the question is not of (number of) seats but of winning. On the basis of winnability, we all will take a decision together," he said.

The Samajwadi Party chief's announcement also comes amid speculations of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP-led NDA.

Kumar had joined forces with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), founded by his staunch foe, Lalu Prasad in August 2022, after he cut ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The longest-serving CM of Bihar subsequently brought together all parties across the country with an aim to take on the BJP which further led to the formation of the opposition bloc INDIA.

(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (Jan 27) claimed that his alliance with the grand old party Congress had commenced on a very "good start" with 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Yadav took to his official X account and wrote, "Our cordial alliance with the Congress is off to a good start with 11 strong seats. This trend will move forward with the winning equation. 'INDIA' team and 'PDA' strategy will change history." The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and the Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in April-May this year. कांग्रेस के साथ 11 मज़बूत सीटों से हमारे सौहार्दपूर्ण गठबंधन की अच्छी शुरुआत हो रही है… ये सिलसिला जीत के समीकरण के साथ और भी आगे बढ़ेगा। ‘इंडिया’ की टीम और ‘पीडीए’ की रणनीति इतिहास बदल देगी। — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 27, 2024 × Earlier in January, Yadav held a meeting with party leaders including former MPs, former MLAs, and former MLCs in Lucknow. He stated that the capacity to win was the most crucial criterion that would be taken into consideration for deciding on seats. Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports "We and RLD's Jayant Choudhary had a good conversation. We had a discussion regarding seven seats. We are also in conversation with the Congress. Several meetings have taken place in Delhi. Very soon, more meetings will be held, and a way will be found. The INDIA alliance should be strong; the question is not of (number of) seats but of winning. On the basis of winnability, we all will take a decision together," he said. The Samajwadi Party chief's announcement also comes amid speculations of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's return to the BJP-led NDA. Kumar had joined forces with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), founded by his staunch foe, Lalu Prasad in August 2022, after he cut ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The longest-serving CM of Bihar subsequently brought together all parties across the country with an aim to take on the BJP which further led to the formation of the opposition bloc INDIA. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Akhilesh Yadav says poll alliance with Congress ‘off to a good start’

A day after a "courtesy meeting" with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, veteran actor Rajinikanth on August 20 met Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav at the latter's residence in Lucknow.

Rajinikanth, who is basking in the success of his latest film Jailer, said he was happy to reconnect with Yadav, whom he called his friend, after almost a decade.

"Nine years ago, I had met Akhilesh at a function in Mumbai. Since then, our friendship has continued, and we talk over the phone. I had come here five years ago for a shooting, (but) Akhilesh was not there, and (I) could not meet him. He is here now and I met him," the 72-year-old star told reporters in Lucknow.

He also said that his meeting with the Uttar Pradesh CM on August 19 was "very good".

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जब दिल मिलते हैं तो लोग गले मिलते हैं। 
 
मैसूर में इंजीनियरिंग की पढ़ाई के दौरान पर्दे पर रजनीकांत जी को देखकर जितनी ख़ुशी होती थी वो आज भी बरकरार है। हम 9 साल पहले व्यक्तिगत रूप से मिले और तब से दोस्ती है… <a href="https://t.co/e9KZrc5mNH">pic.twitter.com/e9KZrc5mNH</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1693132838449918071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-jailer-box-office-rajinikanth-is-unstoppable-earns-rs-500-crore-worldwide-627157">Jailer box office: Rajinikanth's film is unstoppable, earns Rs 500 crore worldwide</a>

Yadav also shared a series of photos from the meeting with Rajinikanth via his account on X, formerly called Twitter.

"When hearts meet, people embrace. During my engineering studies in Mysore, the happiness I used to feel seeing Rajinikanth Ji on the screen is still intact. We met in person 9 years back and have been friends ever since…" the SP chief captioned his post.

Earlier this week, Rajinikanth met his friend and Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi for a "courtesy meet". He also spent an hour meditating at the Yagoda ashram there.

A day after a "courtesy meeting" with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, veteran actor Rajinikanth on August 20 met Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav at the latter's residence in Lucknow.

A day after a "courtesy meeting" with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, veteran actor Rajinikanth on August 20 met Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav at the latter's residence in Lucknow. Rajinikanth, who is basking in the success of his latest film Jailer, said he was happy to reconnect with Yadav, whom he called his friend, after almost a decade. "Nine years ago, I had met Akhilesh at a function in Mumbai. Since then, our friendship has continued, and we talk over the phone. I had come here five years ago for a shooting, (but) Akhilesh was not there, and (I) could not meet him. He is here now and I met him," the 72-year-old star told reporters in Lucknow. He also said that his meeting with the Uttar Pradesh CM on August 19 was "very good". जब दिल मिलते हैं तो लोग गले मिलते हैं। मैसूर में इंजीनियरिंग की पढ़ाई के दौरान पर्दे पर रजनीकांत जी को देखकर जितनी ख़ुशी होती थी वो आज भी बरकरार है। हम 9 साल पहले व्यक्तिगत रूप से मिले और तब से दोस्ती है… pic.twitter.com/e9KZrc5mNH — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 20, 2023 Also read: Jailer box office: Rajinikanth's film is unstoppable, earns Rs 500 crore worldwide Yadav also shared a series of photos from the meeting with Rajinikanth via his account on X, formerly called Twitter. "When hearts meet, people embrace. During my engineering studies in Mysore, the happiness I used to feel seeing Rajinikanth Ji on the screen is still intact. We met in person 9 years back and have been friends ever since…" the SP chief captioned his post. Earlier this week, Rajinikanth met his friend and Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi for a "courtesy meet". He also spent an hour meditating at the Yagoda ashram there.

Rajinikanth meets Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav

The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite&nbsp;organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times. As per media reports, two bullets were fired at Chandrashekhar’s car, out of which one is believed to have grazed the Indian politician.

“I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred,” Azad told police in a statement.

<h2>Police open investigation</h2>

The Ambedkarite activist had gone to a supporter’s home for a death ceremony, and the attack took place when he left the spot in his SUV car. A statement by police officer overseeing the case read, “Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandrashekhar was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter.” 
&nbsp;

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VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was rushed to a local hospital. More details are awaited. <a href="https://t.co/HhUz8RZnVw">pic.twitter.com/HhUz8RZnVw</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674037713886904320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad shot at in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. More details are awaited. <a href="https://t.co/a81RVYp7uD">pic.twitter.com/a81RVYp7uD</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674036951299551232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Supporters demand prompt action</h2>

Videos circulating on the internet showed hundreds of Chandrashekhar’s supporters gathered at the hospital where he was admitted. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel at the spot. His&nbsp;Facebook account posted some pictures showing him injured, urging police to take strict action against the attackers.

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VIDEO | People gather outside the emergency ward of the hospital where Azad was admitted. <a href="https://t.co/dD1dk1b994">pic.twitter.com/dD1dk1b994</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1674039178424725509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wanted-criminal-killed-in-encounter-with-police-in-uttar-pradesh-609088">Also read:&nbsp;India: Wanted criminal killed in encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh</a>

"The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement," the Facebook post read. 
 
"We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad," the post added.

<h2>State opposition leader slams the attack</h2>

Uttar Pradesh’s top opposition leader and former CM Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack, saying there was miserable law and order situation in the state. He said, “When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?"&nbsp;

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The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times.

The chief of Bhim Army, an Ambedkarite organisation in India, was shot at on Wednesday in India’s Uttar Pradesh by car-borne attackers. The chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, sustained minor injuries and was rushed immediately to a hospital, a police official was quoted as telling by Hindustan Times. As per media reports, two bullets were fired at Chandrashekhar’s car, out of which one is believed to have grazed the Indian politician. “I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred,” Azad told police in a statement. Police open investigation The Ambedkarite activist had gone to a supporter’s home for a death ceremony, and the attack took place when he left the spot in his SUV car. A statement by police officer overseeing the case read, “Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandrashekhar was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter.” VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was rushed to a local hospital. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/HhUz8RZnVw — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × VIDEO | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad shot at in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/a81RVYp7uD — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × Supporters demand prompt action Videos circulating on the internet showed hundreds of Chandrashekhar’s supporters gathered at the hospital where he was admitted. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel at the spot. His Facebook account posted some pictures showing him injured, urging police to take strict action against the attackers. VIDEO | People gather outside the emergency ward of the hospital where Azad was admitted. pic.twitter.com/dD1dk1b994 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 × Also read: India: Wanted criminal killed in encounter with police in Uttar Pradesh "The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement," the Facebook post read. "We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad," the post added. State opposition leader slams the attack Uttar Pradesh’s top opposition leader and former CM Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack, saying there was miserable law and order situation in the state. He said, “When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?" WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar shot at by car-borne attackers, rushed to hospital

National President of Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav has got a big relief from the Supreme Court. In the disproportionate assets case, the Supreme Court said that the CBI had closed the case. Now there is no basis for hearing on this.

Akhilesh Yadav got big relief from Supreme Court

The funeral of veteran Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav was held in his ancestral Saifai village on Tuesday with full state honours.

The last rites of the former three-time chief minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh were conducted by his son Akhilesh Yadav, as chants of “long live Netaji (respected leader)” reverberated.

His mortal remains were earlier moved from the hospital to his house, where thousands turned up to pay their last respects.

The 82-year-old’s body was later shifted to a bigger hall on Tuesday in the adjacent premises, around one kilometre from his house, to accommodate a sea of supporters and admirers.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Last rites of Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh CM Mulayam Singh Yadav being performed at his ancestral village, Saifai in Uttar Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/nBUezhZqq1">pic.twitter.com/nBUezhZqq1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1579782332579708934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several politicians, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, and businessman Anil Ambani were also present during the final rites.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reminisced about his relationship with his predecessor and highlighted Mulayam Yadav’s strong connect with people.

“If there was any leader who was connected to the public and the ground, it was Mulayam Singh Yadav,” Rajnath said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A large sea of people chants "Netaji amar rahein" as a vehicle carries the mortal remains of Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh CM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MulayamSinghYadav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MulayamSinghYadav</a> for his last rites, in Saifai, Uttar Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/RMCzht2uI3">pic.twitter.com/RMCzht2uI3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1579762840369758211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Parliament’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla termed Yadav's death an “irreparable loss”, adding, “As a 'samajwadi' (socialist) personality, he advocated the cause of the backwards and farmers.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who was one of those leaders who arrived early, said Yadav never considered his political opponents as enemies and that he shared a personal bond with every leader.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, who had also served as the defence minister, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Gurugram on Monday. He was 82.

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The funeral of veteran Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav was held in his ancestral Saifai village on Tuesday with full state honours. The last rites of the former three-time chief minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh were conducted by his son Akhilesh Yadav, as chants of “long live Netaji (respected leader)” reverberated.

The funeral of veteran Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav was held in his ancestral Saifai village on Tuesday with full state honours. The last rites of the former three-time chief minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh were conducted by his son Akhilesh Yadav, as chants of “long live Netaji (respected leader)” reverberated. His mortal remains were earlier moved from the hospital to his house, where thousands turned up to pay their last respects. The 82-year-old’s body was later shifted to a bigger hall on Tuesday in the adjacent premises, around one kilometre from his house, to accommodate a sea of supporters and admirers. #WATCH | Last rites of Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh CM Mulayam Singh Yadav being performed at his ancestral village, Saifai in Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/nBUezhZqq1 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2022 × Several politicians, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, and businessman Anil Ambani were also present during the final rites. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reminisced about his relationship with his predecessor and highlighted Mulayam Yadav’s strong connect with people. “If there was any leader who was connected to the public and the ground, it was Mulayam Singh Yadav,” Rajnath said. #WATCH | A large sea of people chants "Netaji amar rahein" as a vehicle carries the mortal remains of Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh CM #MulayamSinghYadav for his last rites, in Saifai, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/RMCzht2uI3 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2022 × Parliament’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla termed Yadav's death an “irreparable loss”, adding, “As a 'samajwadi' (socialist) personality, he advocated the cause of the backwards and farmers. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who was one of those leaders who arrived early, said Yadav never considered his political opponents as enemies and that he shared a personal bond with every leader. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who had also served as the defence minister, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Gurugram on Monday. He was 82. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India’s veteran politician Mulayam Singh Yadav cremated with full honours  

Life and times of Mulayam Singh Yadav: From a wrestler, teacher, to national leader

Zee News, which is one of the country’s largest media houses, on Monday broadcast the results of the biggest exit polls for the hard-fought assembly elections 2022 in five major states – UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

Zee News had conducted the exit polls to check the mood of the voters in five states which went to the polls recently. The intensity of the campaign can be gauged by the fact that Prime Minister Modi had to come on the road to campaign in roadshows.

Seat projection(403)

403 seats of Uttar Pradesh went to the polls in seven phases— February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27, March 3 and 7. According to the projections for Uttar Pradesh, the ruling BJP is likely to emerge as a big winner by winning between 223- 248 seats.&nbsp;

Though the ruling party is projected to win much fewer seats this time as compared to the 2017 polls, the Zee News exit poll predicting a thumping victory for BJP in Uttar Pradesh also points to voters' continued trust in Yogi Adityanath's government and PM Narendra Modi's decisive leadership.&nbsp;

Driven by the Modi wave, the BJP had stormed to power in UP after 14 years, securing a three-fourths majority and demolishing rivals Samajwadi Party-Congress coalition and Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 2017 polls.

Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party-led alliance is expected to win between 138-157 seats this time. Despite hectic campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka, the Congress party is only expected to win between 4-9 seats. While Mayawati’s BSP will disappoint again as it is projected to win just 5 to 11 seats, Others are like to bag between 3-5 seats.

 
Vote share

Among other projections, the ruling BJP+ is likely to secure around 39 per cent of the total votes polled, SP+ 34 per cent, BSP 13 per cent, Congress 6 per cent and Others 8 per cent.

Phase-wise seat projection 
1st phase - &nbsp;58 seats

 
In Phase 1, BJP is projected to get 34-38 off 58 seats, SP+ may get 19-21 seats, BSP 01-02.

(BJP+ 34- 38; SP+ 19- 21; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0)

 
Phase 2 - 55 seats&nbsp;

In Phase 2, BJP+ is predicted to get 21-23 seats of the total 55, SP+ 29-33, BSP 01-02, Congress And Others 00.

(BJP+ &nbsp; 21- 23; SP+ 29- 33; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0)

 
Phase 3 - 59 &nbsp;seats

In Phase 3, BJP+ might win 38-42 seats of the total 59, SP+ 17-19, Congress 01-02, BSP – 00

(BJP+ &nbsp;38- 42; SP+ 17- 19; BSP 0; CONG 1-2; OTH 0)

 
Phase 4 - 59 seats

In Phase 4, BJP+ expected to get 41-45 seats, SP+ 14-16, BSP- 01-02.

(BJP+ 41-45; SP+ &nbsp; 14-16; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0)

 
Phase 5 - 61 seats

In Phase 5, BJP+ might win 36-40 seats, SP+ 18-20, BSP 00, Cong 01-03, Others 01-03.

(BJP+ 36-40; SP+ 18-20; BSP 0; CONG 1-3; OTH 1-3)

&nbsp;

Phase 6 - seats 57

In Phase 6, BJP+ might win BJP+ 30-34 seats; SP+ 19-22; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-3; OTH 0.

(BJP+ 30-34; SP+ 19-22; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-3; OTH 0)

 
Phase 7- &nbsp;sets 54

In Phase 7, the ruling BJP+ is expected to win 23-27 seats; SP+ 22-26; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-2; OTH 1-3.

BJP+ 23-27; SP+ 22-26; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-2; OTH 1-3.

Interestingly ahead of Zee exit polls results, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had claimed that his party will win over 300 seats and the BJP will be wiped out from UP. “After the seventh and final phase of polling, the BJP will be wiped off from the state. The SP alliance is forming a majority government after March 10 with over 300 seats,” Akhilesh exuded confidence.

As per the Election Commission of India directives, the exit poll findings can be released only after the conclusion of voting in all the states that go to the polls simultaneously. The embargo on exit polls was lifted after the conclusion of the seventh phase of assembly polls in UP, around 6.30pm.

Zee News, which is one of the country’s largest media houses, on Monday broadcast the results of the biggest exit polls for the hard-fought assembly elections 2022 in five major states – UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

Zee News, which is one of the country’s largest media houses, on Monday broadcast the results of the biggest exit polls for the hard-fought assembly elections 2022 in five major states – UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. Zee News had conducted the exit polls to check the mood of the voters in five states which went to the polls recently. The intensity of the campaign can be gauged by the fact that Prime Minister Modi had to come on the road to campaign in roadshows. Seat projection(403) 403 seats of Uttar Pradesh went to the polls in seven phases— February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27, March 3 and 7. According to the projections for Uttar Pradesh, the ruling BJP is likely to emerge as a big winner by winning between 223- 248 seats. Though the ruling party is projected to win much fewer seats this time as compared to the 2017 polls, the Zee News exit poll predicting a thumping victory for BJP in Uttar Pradesh also points to voters' continued trust in Yogi Adityanath's government and PM Narendra Modi's decisive leadership. Driven by the Modi wave, the BJP had stormed to power in UP after 14 years, securing a three-fourths majority and demolishing rivals Samajwadi Party-Congress coalition and Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 2017 polls. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party-led alliance is expected to win between 138-157 seats this time. Despite hectic campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka, the Congress party is only expected to win between 4-9 seats. While Mayawati’s BSP will disappoint again as it is projected to win just 5 to 11 seats, Others are like to bag between 3-5 seats. Vote share Among other projections, the ruling BJP+ is likely to secure around 39 per cent of the total votes polled, SP+ 34 per cent, BSP 13 per cent, Congress 6 per cent and Others 8 per cent. Phase-wise seat projection 1st phase - 58 seats In Phase 1, BJP is projected to get 34-38 off 58 seats, SP+ may get 19-21 seats, BSP 01-02. (BJP+ 34- 38; SP+ 19- 21; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0) Phase 2 - 55 seats In Phase 2, BJP+ is predicted to get 21-23 seats of the total 55, SP+ 29-33, BSP 01-02, Congress And Others 00. (BJP+ 21- 23; SP+ 29- 33; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0) Phase 3 - 59 seats In Phase 3, BJP+ might win 38-42 seats of the total 59, SP+ 17-19, Congress 01-02, BSP – 00 (BJP+ 38- 42; SP+ 17- 19; BSP 0; CONG 1-2; OTH 0) Phase 4 - 59 seats In Phase 4, BJP+ expected to get 41-45 seats, SP+ 14-16, BSP- 01-02. (BJP+ 41-45; SP+ 14-16; BSP 1-2; CONG 0; OTH 0) Phase 5 - 61 seats In Phase 5, BJP+ might win 36-40 seats, SP+ 18-20, BSP 00, Cong 01-03, Others 01-03. (BJP+ 36-40; SP+ 18-20; BSP 0; CONG 1-3; OTH 1-3) Phase 6 - seats 57 In Phase 6, BJP+ might win BJP+ 30-34 seats; SP+ 19-22; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-3; OTH 0. (BJP+ 30-34; SP+ 19-22; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-3; OTH 0) Phase 7- sets 54 In Phase 7, the ruling BJP+ is expected to win 23-27 seats; SP+ 22-26; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-2; OTH 1-3. BJP+ 23-27; SP+ 22-26; BSP 1-3; CONG 1-2; OTH 1-3. Interestingly ahead of Zee exit polls results, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had claimed that his party will win over 300 seats and the BJP will be wiped out from UP. “After the seventh and final phase of polling, the BJP will be wiped off from the state. The SP alliance is forming a majority government after March 10 with over 300 seats,” Akhilesh exuded confidence. As per the Election Commission of India directives, the exit poll findings can be released only after the conclusion of voting in all the states that go to the polls simultaneously. The embargo on exit polls was lifted after the conclusion of the seventh phase of assembly polls in UP, around 6.30pm.

India Assembly elections 2022: Exit poll - BJP likely to retain power in Uttar Pradesh

Polling began in 58 assembly constituencies in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

The polling booths opened at 7 am local time. There are 623 candidates in the fray in the first phase. &nbsp;

India's Election Commission had confined the first phase of canvassing to the virtual medium with&nbsp;ban on roadshows and rallies due to the virus surge in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-2022-all-you-need-to-know-about-phase-i-voting-that-begins-tomorrow-451763">Also Read:&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2022: All you need to know about phase-I voting</a>

The poll battle in India's largest state is being led by Uttar Pradesh's BJP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. The ruling party in the state is pitched against the opposition led by the Samajwadi Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal (SP-RLD) combine with Congress also in the fray. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati of&nbsp;Bahujan Samaj Party has also been campaigning during the first phase.

There are 11 districts where polling will be held on Thursday including Gautam Buddha Nagar, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Shamli, Mathura and Agra.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

The state elections are being held amid tight security with over 50,000 paramilitary personnel deployed in various constituencies to maintain law and order as the seven-phase polling gets underway.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Polling began in 58 assembly constituencies in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The polling booths opened at 7 am local time. There are 623 candidates in the fray in the first phase.

Polling began in 58 assembly constituencies in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The polling booths opened at 7 am local time. There are 623 candidates in the fray in the first phase. India's Election Commission had confined the first phase of canvassing to the virtual medium with ban on roadshows and rallies due to the virus surge in the country. Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2022: All you need to know about phase-I voting The poll battle in India's largest state is being led by Uttar Pradesh's BJP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. The ruling party in the state is pitched against the opposition led by the Samajwadi Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal (SP-RLD) combine with Congress also in the fray. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati of Bahujan Samaj Party has also been campaigning during the first phase. There are 11 districts where polling will be held on Thursday including Gautam Buddha Nagar, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Shamli, Mathura and Agra. Also Read: Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls The state elections are being held amid tight security with over 50,000 paramilitary personnel deployed in various constituencies to maintain law and order as the seven-phase polling gets underway. (With inputs from Agencies)

Polling underway in first phase of crucial state elections in India's Uttar Pradesh

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