"Akhilesh Yadav Has Gotten Used To ACs": Samjawadi Ally's Jibe Creates Stir

The BJP used Mr Rajbhar's comments to criticise the Samajwadi Party chief.

A key ally of Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party has reportedly said that the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister had grown accustomed to air conditioners and needs to step out and meet people more often.

Om Prakash Rajbhar, who heads the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) that won six seats in the recently held Uttar Pradesh state election, made the comments at a meeting of his party in eastern UP on Sunday, news agency PTI reported.

"Akhilesh Yadav has become too used to air-conditioned rooms," the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief reportedly said, addressing his party workers. Mr Rajbhar did not deny the comments when questioned by reporters after the meeting. "He should go out and tour different areas and meet with his party workers and leaders, this is what I meant to say. I will go to Lucknow and ensure he comes out", Mr Rajbhar said.

The BJP used Mr Rajbhar's comments to criticise the Samajwadi Party chief. A tweet by BJP's Shehzad Poonawala said, "SP Ally OP Rajbhar says Akhilesh Yadav is too used to AC & isn't hitting the streets..Well "family first" parties usually spend 4.5 years in foreign tour/AC/vacation/ party mode. The last 6 months before the election they go into campaign mode. Right now Babua is in Vacation Mode."