SP workers clean statue of Madan Mohan Malaviya after Modi tribute

It is a religious practice among Hindus in India to clean a temple or idol with milk or water, if either has been touched by a thing or person who is impure.

Opinion polls have predicted a simple majority for the Modi-led BJP alliance which is riding a wave of public anger across India against the ruling Congress party over a slew of corruption scandals and a slowing economy.

Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised the acts of the SP workers.

"Nothing better can be expected from the Samajwadi Party, which openly frees terrorists, and is accused of killing people in the most brutal fashion. The high court had to intervene to restrain them. Nothing better can be expected for the kind of inhuman treatment given by Samajwadi Party to the victims of Muzaffarnagar violence. Nothing better can be expected from them as to the manner in which they prevented the police from containing the riots. Therefore, those whose hands are soiled in blood, are trying to wash the statue of Madan Mohan Malaviya. It is shameful and sickening," said Prasad.