Hope Election Commission lifts ban on Azam as well: Akhilesh Yadav

Asked specifically whether they were in touch with BJP leaders, Yadav said 'miltey rahtey hain' (they keep meeting) but did not elaborate.

After the Election Commission revoked ban on Amit Shah’s participation in poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday hoped the restriction on SP leader Mohd Azam Khan too would be lifted.

“The EC has imposed ban on Azam without going through his reply…I hope, the Commission will soon lift his ban too (as it has done in case of Narendra Modi’s close aide),” Yadav told reporters in reply to a question.

“We will put our legal view on the issue at the opportune time,” he said.

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On being asked about party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statement that a number of BJP leaders, who are against Modi, are in touch with him, Yadav said Modi was made PM candidate under RSS pressure.

“He has been made PM candidate under pressure of RSS… A number of BJP leaders did not want this… It’s known to everyone,” he said.

Asked specifically whether they were in touch with BJP leaders, Yadav said “miltey rahtey hain” (they keep meeting) but did not elaborate.

On claims by BJP leaders Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh that SP legislators were touch with them, Yadav said they were spreading rumours and EC should take cognisance.

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Yadav later flagged off SP’s “video-on-wheels” vehicle for poll campaign.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

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Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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