LS polls will see end of those chanting 'Namo, Namo': Mayawati

The ongoing Lok Sabha election will see the end of those chanting "Namo, Namo", BSP supremo Mayawati said on Thursday, while SP chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed confidence that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance will give a new prime minister to the country.

Both the former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers were addressing a joint poll rally here, along with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) president Ajit Singh, in favour of Dimple Yadav, the joint candidate of the opposition alliance from Kannauj.

Dimple, the sitting Samajwadi Party (SP) MP and the wife of Akhilesh Yadav, is seeking re-election from this parliamentary seat.

"This election will see the end of those chanting 'Namo, Namo' and pave the way for those who shout Jai Bheem. Seeing your response, it appears that you are going to ensure the victory of the alliance candidates," Mayawati told the crowd.

Yadav called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "prachar mantri", or minister for publicity, and claimed that the SP-BSP-RLD combine in Uttar Pradesh will give the country a new PM.

"Last time he came as a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) and you tasted his tea. This time he has come as a chowkidar (watchman)," he mocked Modi.

"This alliance will give a new prime minister to the country and we will make a new Bharat," the SP chief said.

He added that the opposition alliance is aimed at ensuring social justice and taking forward the ideals of B R Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia, Kanshi Ram and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over demonetisation, Yadav said, "Has demonetisation eradicated corruption? Where is the black money? They have made the country hollow with their policies."
Asking the gathering to remain alert against the BJP's propaganda, the BSP chief said, "The BJP is adamant to return to power by hook or by crook. At the time of election, it is trying to create a wave in its favour through opinions polls and surveys."
On Dimple Yadav, Mayawati said, "After the alliance, I consider her as bahu (daughter-in-law) and have a special relation with her that will continue. Akhilesh also respects me."