Don't need such friends: Akhilesh Yadav on PM Modi's remark in Lok Sabha

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to him as a "friend" who occasionally extends help, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said he does not need "such friends”. Modi had, during his speech in the Lok Sabha last week on the now-rejected constitution amendment bill linked to women's reservation, remarked that “Akhilesh ji is my friend, so he helps me sometimes". The prime minister made the light-hearted comment after thanking SP MP Dharmendra for mentioning that he is from the OBC community, and asserting that it is his duty to look after everyone's interest. Asked about the comment at a press conference here, Akhilesh Yadav said, “Yes, it is a very important question, but our mic was switched off (in the House). We have said we do not need such friends.” He said that only the prime minister could clarify what assistance he was referring to. “As far as the claim of help is concerned, if you ask the prime minister what help I have provided, only he can answer that. To my knowledge, there has been no such thing,” the former chief minister said.

Replying to a question, Yadav cautioned people to remain vigilant, alleging that the BJP could resort to extreme measures in the face of defeat. “I want to warn everyone to stay alert and cautious. When the BJP is losing, it can do anything. It is now heading towards defeat and, once it goes, it may never return. That fear is troubling them the most,” he said.