LIVE: Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra Breaks Down In Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav Now In SUV

Akhilesh Yadav's Mercedes 'rath' breaks down barely a kilometre into his 'Vikas Yatra' in Lucknow. He has switched to an open-top SUV. Efforts are on to repair the Mercedes 'rath'.

On board the Mercedes 'Rath', Akhilesh Yadav says he is confident that everyone from the farmers to the youth in Uttar Pradesh will support the Samajwadi Party for the development that they bring.

Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav joins husband Akhilesh Yadav on the 'Vikas Rath Yatra'. She termed the Vikas Rath Yatra and participation by the youth as "a historic beginning."

"I want to thank Mulayam Singh Yadav for flagging off the event," Akhilesh Yadav said, adding, "This UP election will change national politics."

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's 'Vikas Rath Yatra' begins:

Akhilesh Yadav's Vikas Rath Yatra flagged off. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav launches the rath yatra. Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to travel 75 km in Lucknow and neighbouring Unnao. Though there are plans for him to stop every 2 kilometres to interact with people, he is likely to do so from a distance - on a hydraulic lift atop his Mercedes "rath".

Akhilesh Yadav says he is happy to see the youth step forward. He says it is the youth that will carry Samajwadi Party's ideology forward.

Watch: Clash between Samajwadi Party workers in Lucknow ahead of Akhilesh Yadav's Vikas Rath Yatra

It is our aim that BJP does not form the government in Uttar Pradesh: Shivpal Yadav at Vikas Rath Yatra function.

Addressing supporters at the 'Vikas Rath Yatra' function in Lucknow, Shivpal Yadav conveyed his best wishes to nephew Akhilesh Yadav, saying "I would like to give my best wishes to Akhilesh Yadav and hope that Samajwadi Party returns to form the government in UP."

As Akhilesh Yadav launches the Vikas Rath Yatra in Lucknow, a show of unity in the Samajwadi Party as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Yadav take the stage together.

For his Vikas Yatra, Akhilesh Yadav has a Mercedes Rath with a hydraulic lift mounted on it. Akhilesh Yadav is expected to stop every 2 kms to interact with the people. For crowded areas, he is expected to use the hydraulic lift. Here are a few photos of the Mercedes "Rath":


(NDTV reporting from Lucknow where Akhilesh Yadav will launch his Vikas Rath Yatra. Photo Credit: twitter.com/yadavakhilesh)

The last time Akhilesh asked for a shot as Chief Minister, he was 36. His campaign promised the youth of one of India's most backward states quality education, free laptops. This time around as well, his team is hoping to retain young voters on their side.

Supporters seen wearing red T-shirts, which have Akhilesh Yadav's photograph; caps have the Samajwadi Party symbol.

Sunil Singh Sajan, who is Akhilesh's go-to guy for his Vikas Yatra, is busy at his home with preparations for Akhilesh's tour, is surrounded by other volunteers, most of whom have also been expelled from the Samajwadi Party. "There is no irony (in this)," he says, "socialism is in our veins whether we remain in the party or not. What is important is that we are with Akhilesh."