Modi's magic works only on TV and Gujarat: Akhilesh Yadav

Bangalore, June 14: Dismissing the possibility of any impact of Narendra Modi in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on June 13 said his elevation will not cast a magic spell as his Gujarat counterpart is hardly acquainted with UP politics.

"Modi's elevation and his magic will not cast a spell in Uttar Pradesh as Modi is hardly acquainted with the nitty-gritty of UP politics and people of the state hardly know him. His magic only works on television and Gujarat. I don't want to say anything further," he told reporters here.

Yadav, who was asked to comment on BJP's efforts to return to power at the Centre focusing on his state, said Uttar Pradesh had always restricted communal parties which try to divide the society and nation at large.

Asked if Modi's elevation had created panic among minorities, he said Samajvadi Party had always faced communal forces and UP always supported secular parties. He said people in UP have always taken prudent decisions on issues of secularism, farmers and national security.

To a query, he said looking at state elections held in the recent past, the people of the country were craving for a "visible" alternative front at the Centre.

"Even the anti-Congress and anti-BJP parties are aspiring for an Alternative Front at the Centre," he added. It would be difficult for him to perceive the shape the alternative front would take.

However, the SP has always played an important role to take on Congress and BJP. Yadav said SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav's role would be important as before on forming a possible alternative front.

"You know Netaji's (Mulayam) role in the past on issues pertaining to farmers, national security and secularism. He has always stood for these issues," he said.

He said the SP believed that it would win the Lok Sabha elections based on the performance of its government in Uttar Pradesh.

"Our government has been carrying out good work and believe we will win Lok Sabha seats in UP and some seats in neighbouring states," he said.

Asked whether he is meeting JDS leaders for forming an alternative front, Yadav said the coming together of smaller parties will strengthen its cause. On Food Bill, Yadav said his party has already taken a decision and was not in favour of it.

PTI