Kannauj, 25 April (HS): On Thursday, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav called voters to ensure exit of BJP government at the centre as he submitted his nomination papers from the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency. Yadav filed his nomination in front of party officials, including Ram Gopal Yadav.

The SP head removed his nephew Tej Pratap Yadav, who had been named the party's Kannauj candidate just days before. Speaking to media after registering his nomination, Akhilesh vowed to safeguard the city's growth.

“People and party workers asked me to run as the SP candidate from here. I desire to get people's blessings. When I initially arrived here after Netaji (his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav) urged me to run from here, major leaders like Janeshwar Mishra, Amar Singh, Azam Khan, and Netaji were present.

When asked about certain BJP officials' alleged statements that the polls resembled a cricket match between India and Pakistan, Akhilesh responded, They would not be able to throw the ball or use the bat. We will strike six off all six balls,” he declared, asking people to clean bowled the BJP.

Akhilesh stated that the election will put a stop to the BJP's bad politics and, referring to the city's famed fragrances, that Kannauj's scent will spread anew. “I will contribute to the city's growth... Brotherhood and love will now spread from here,” he declared. When queried about the delay in announcing his candidacy, the SP chairman replied, There's an old saying: strike while the iron is hot. I'm here at the appropriate moment.”

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi/Manoj