Akhilesh Yadav Says Chopper Delay From Delhi To UP Was "Conspiracy"

Akhilesh Yadav, who has emerged as a key challenger in Uttar Pradesh, this afternoon alleged that his helicopter was briefly stopped from flying from Delhi to UP's Muzaffarnagar - he called it "losing BJP's conspiracy". Nearly half an hour after accusing the ruling party of halting his chopper, he posted a cheeky tweet - "We are ready to take the flight to victory".

"My helicopter has been halted in Delhi without any reason. It is not being allowed to fly to Muzaffarnagar (in UP). But a BJP leader was just allowed to fly from here. This is losing BJP's conspiracy - a proof of their frustration," the former UP Chief Minister tweeted in Hindi at around 2:30 pm.

He also shared a photo of him standing in front of the helicopter. "Public knows it all," he added in an attack on the rival party.

The BJP is yet to react to the claims. The allegation comes just days ahead of the start of the seven-phased UP elections (on February 10).

About 30 minutes later came an update with a swipe. "The misuse of power is a trait of people who are losing. This day would be registered in the history of Samajwadi's struggle. We are ready to take the flight to victory," Mr Yadav, 48, tweeted.

Shortly after, Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary, a Jat leader, was seen welcoming Mr Yadav to Muzaffarnagar. At a joint presser, the allies slammed the BJP government over farm laws that were withdrawn after year-long protests.

At a joint presser, the allies slammed the BJP government over farm laws that were recently withdrawn after massive protests.

"Our party has promised free electricity, a minimum support price, irrigation facilities, and payments of sugarcane dues. We will distribute laptops again. I want to remind BJP...read your manifesto again...all promises are just jumlas.. When it feels cornered it diverts to other issues. But this is a land of brotherhood that has always rejected negativity," the Samajwadi Party chief said. 

Uttar Pradesh has been witnessing a season of crossovers and political attacks ahead of the February-March elections.

As Akhilesh Yadav tries to return to power, the BJP is also using all its might to return the state for a second term. The state, however, has been voting for a change since 2007.

The results will be announced on March 10.