New Delhi: Along with the BJP, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has also begun preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in full swing. These elections are likely to be crucial for both the BJP and the SP. After remaining out of power for ten years, the Samajwadi Party is making an all-out effort in this election. Today, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav launched his ‘PDA Rath Yatra’ from Raebareli, a Congress stronghold.
A massive crowd of party workers and supporters has turned out for this Rath Yatra; crowds of people are visible everywhere along the route. Akhilesh Yadav set off on the Rath, travelling in his ‘PDA’ bus from near the Churuva toll plaza on the Lucknow-Prayagraj National Highway.
Grand Welcome for Akhilesh as He Leaves Lucknow
As he departed from Lucknow, the state capital, former CM Akhilesh Yadav received a rousing welcome from party workers in Mohanlalganj and Bachhrawan (Raebareli), who greeted him with flower garlands. In Bachhrawan, SP workers showered him with flowers and garlanded him using a bulldozer. Akhilesh Yadav acknowledged his supporters from the bus and officially kicked off his election campaign tour across the state.
Additionally, upon entering the Raebareli district, SP workers welcomed National President Akhilesh Yadav. Supporters raised enthusiastic slogans in support of both Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav.
In Bachhrawan, leaders and workers welcomed their leader by showering flowers at various points along the route. There was immense enthusiasm among the workers to catch a glimpse of Akhilesh Yadav and welcome him, creating an atmosphere steeped in the spirit of the Samajwadi Party.
A Long History of SP’s Rath Yatras
When discussing UP politics, one can hardly overlook the Samajwadi Party’s Rath Yatras. The party has a long-standing history of using these Rath Yatras to connect with workers and boost their morale. Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav have consistently used these Rath Yatras to reach out to the public.
Party workers welcomed their leader, Akhilesh Yadav, with slogans and garlands when he stopped at Mohanlalganj en route to Raebareli; a massive crowd of SP supporters was seen on the streets. Meanwhile, a political controversy has erupted in Raebareli over posters depicting Akhilesh Yadav as Lord Krishna. The BJP has criticised these posters.
What did the Congress say about the SP’s journey?
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari made a significant statement regarding the SP’s ‘Rath Yatra’ (chariot procession). He remarked that every political party works to strengthen its organisation, noting that the Congress, too, is engaged in holding meetings and building its organisational structure. He clarified that, much like in parliamentary elections, leaders would come together on a single platform at the appropriate time only after candidates are finalised and seat-sharing agreements are reached.
