PRAYAGRAJ, May 17 -- Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya arrived in Prayagraj Saturday for a two-day visit, striking back at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce diesel, petrol consumption. Maurya claimed Yadav's sole occupation involves sitting in an air-conditioned room posting tweets.

Maurya described Yadav's 'PDA' (Pichde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak: Backward Classes, Dalits, Minorities) pitch as a sham, alleging it is anti-poor, rooted in caste-based politics.

Speaking to media at Circuit House, Maurya said the public welcomed the Prime Minister's appeal while opposition parties continue indulging in negative politics. He noted he has already reduced his official convoy...