I-T raids on Akhilesh Yadav's aides in Lucknow, Mainpuri, Mau

The Income Tax Department on Saturday conducted raids at the premises of close aides of Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, Mainpuri and Mau.

Yadav was quick to criticise the raids, saying they were borne out of the ruling BJP's fear of losing the upcoming assembly polls.

The raids were conducted at the residences of SP's national secretary and spokesperson Rajeev Rai in Mau, as well as those of RCL group promoter Manoj Yadav in Mainpuri and the SP chief's officer on special duty Jainendra Yadav in Lucknow.


"They (BJP) know that they are losing, which is why they have sent the I-T department," Akhilesh Yadav told media persons in Raebareli.

"We were waiting only for the I-T department; ED (Directorate of Enforcement) will follow next, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) will come later, rumours will be spread, conspiracies will be created, but despite that, the speed of the cycle (SP's symbol) will not slow down, and BJP is certain to get defeated," he added.

Rai was working hard to strengthen the party, Yadav said, questioning the timing of the raid just months before assembly elections were to be held in the state.

Rai told news agency ANI that he did not have a criminal background or black (unaccounted) money.

"I help people and the government doesn't like it. This is a result of that. If you do anything, they'll make a video, register an FIR, you'll fight a case unnecessarily. There is no use (protesting), let the procedure get completed," he added.