SP, RLD chiefs ask West UP voters to reject 'negative ideologies' in polls

In his first joint conference with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary in Muzaffarnagar region, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the SP-RLD alliance's commitment to work for the farmers' cause and the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh if it comes to power. He appealed to the people of western UP to stand by the 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb' and reject "negative ideologies" in the polls.

Yadav's and Jayant Chaudhary's joint press conference came on the back of the BJP's aggressive campaign in the region, which will go to polls on February 10. Union home minister Amit Shah had held an exclusive Jat outreach a few days ago in which he had signalled an invitation to Chaudhary to ally, saying he was in the "wrong house".

"Who is accepting their invitation," Yadav asked. "And imagine their plight that they have to extend invitations now," he said. Chaudhary alleged that the Election Commission has still not given permission to his Budhana candidate - Rajpal Baliyan - to take out a video van while BJP's video vans are running across the state.


Earlier in the day, Yadav alleged that his helicopter was not allowed to take off for Muzaffarnagar from Delhi and he had to wait for hours, whereas a senior leader of the BJP was allowed to take off from there.

Yadav reiterated his promise to provide 300 units of free household electricity and waive the irrigation bills of farmers if he comes to power. He also promised payment of cane dues within 15 days.