Akhilesh thanks UP, promises development, law and order

An elated Akhilesh Yadav today thanked the Uttar Pradesh electorate for reposing their faith in the Samajwadi Party and promised to implement the party’s manifesto in letter and spirit. “I am thankful to all the people in Uttar Pradesh. Thank you for trusting us,” said Akhilesh amid a maddening clicking of cameras at a packed press conference in Lucknow. [caption id=“attachment_236410” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Relishing success. PTI”]  [/caption] Reiterating that the state would now embark on the path of development, he said, “UP will move towards development now.” The junior Yadav also appeared firm on maintaining a clean image for the party unlike its last stint where it was marked by unchecked hooliganism. “Whoever goes against law and order in UP will be punished. Be it my relative or a party worker. We will not tolerate corruption. Samajwadi Party is not associated with any mafia,” Akhilesh said. In what can mean a little relief for outgoing chief minister and BSP supremo Mayawati, the 39-year-old Akhilesh said that the elephant statues will not be broken. The party’s parliamentary board meet will be held tomorrow. SP head Mulayam Singh Yadav is set to be the next chief minister barring the formal procedures.