Boosting the morale of their supporters and signalling unity, the two leaders atop the 'UP Vijay Rath' started the road show from the GPO park in Hazratganj after garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The specially designed Rath had pictures of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, and the alliance's catch line 'UP ko yeh saath pasand hai'.
The Rath moved along with hordes of Congress and SP workers who raised slogans and showered flower petals on the leaders amid the beating of drums and songs eulogising the two parties.
The road show covered some densely populated areas of the state capital spanning the old Lucknow localities, which have a sizable Muslim population.
The meandering route was planned in such way that the message of the alliance reached a cross-section of people and large section of population.
In the meeting at Ghanta Ghar, Rahul alleged that the BJP believes in 'badla' (vengeance) unlike the Congress and Samajwadi Party that talks of 'badlav' (change).
"This alliance is of youths. We will change the state together and there would be a storm of development. BJP believes in 'badla' (vengeance), but we talk of 'badlav' (change)," he said.
Exuding confidence that Akhilesh will form the next government, Rahul said, "We will form the government and a youth will become Chief Minister again."
"Modi runs his government alone. He does not hear anybody but speaks his 'mann ki baat'. His demonetisation move forced poor people to stand in queues outside banks. Holders of black money, which is with 50 families only, were not seen in any queue," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
