It is important to stop BJP from coming to power, says Akhilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that it is important to stop the Bharatiya Janata Party from assuming power at the Centre.

In an exclusive interview given to ANI, Yadav said: "Since the BJP's manifesto has come, it has become all the more important that the BJP doesn't come to power, especially, when there are several questions over which the country cannot argue upon. They (BJP) are now talking about building a temple based on a constitutional provision.

This is not a small issue. In fact, this is a big one. Today, the country and its people are demanding how development is going to reach each and every segment of society. Farmers of this country need financial assistance. There are so many people who are deprived and they need to be looked after. Instead of talking about this, they (BJP) are raking up contentious issues."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its much-delayed manifesto on a day when India began voting for a new government in the first of a nine-phase general election. "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, great India) and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas" are the main slogans of the 40-page manifesto. The party promises economic revival, development for all as its poll plank.

The BJP has also reiterated in the manifesto about its stand to explore all possibilities within framework of Constitution to facilitate the construction of the 'Ram Mandir' in Ayodhya.

The Election Commission on Sunday made it clear that there is no bar on a party to release its manifesto on a poll day, but it cannot be publicised or telecast in areas where elections are being held.