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Ajay Uprety
Ajay Uprety

Vikas Path Yatra

SP paints a perfect picture as Shivpal attends Akhilesh's rath yatra

Akhilesh-Yadav-up-yatra Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav | ANI via Twitter

Against the backdrop of bitter feud in the Samajwadi Party, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has launched his much-awaited Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra from Luknow on Thursday.

The politically significant yatra is being viewed as ‘victory and show of strength’ by 'pro-changers' which mainly comprises the chief minister's youth brigade. Come what may, Akhilesh has made up his mind not to yield to the pressures from the camp of ‘no-changers' is the message that the rally attempts to convey.

Speaking on this occasion, the CM said, “Netaji (Mulayam Singh) had started this yatra and I am fortunate that this time I am rolling out this rath (chariot),” adding, “It is matter of pleasure that those who were part of first rath yatra are present here today”.

A seemingly invigorated Akhilesh said, “Though this yatra should have started about a month ago, it was delayed due to some conspiracy. We fumbled but we will form the government in the state”.

The differences in the SP fold did not play out at the event as state president of the party Shivpal Yadav, who surprised everyone by choosing to attend the event, congratulated Akhilesh for the efforts he has taken to organise the event saying, “Under no circumstances the BJP should be able to form the government in the state.” There were speculations that Shivpal would stay away from the event owing to his bitter animosity with Akhilesh.

Speaking on this occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav said, “Samajwadi Party is the party of sacrifices,” and praised his brother saying, “Shivpal has worked hard for the party”.

On the first day, Akhilesh’s rath would cover a distance of around 75km. Members of the CM's youth brigade seemed to be all excited about the event as there were loud cheers and slogans, praising the young chief minister. The youth leaders, who were expelled by Shivpal, were also present at the yatra.

Security has been beefed up and arrangements have been made to divert and control the traffic as the participation in the event has been massive. Holiday has been declared for schools in the national capital in the wake of the rally.

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