GORAKHPUR, Nov. 1 -- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of promoting mafia culture, land grabbing and lawlessness during its tenure.

Describing the SP as a "mafia-driven party", Adityanath said its leaders had repeatedly attempted to grab properties belonging to prominent families. Taking a dig at the opposition party, he said, "Just as a dog's tail can never be straightened, people associated with the SP can never mend their ways. Whenever they get an opportunity, their tendency is to grab land."

He was addressing a public meeting at Asuran Crossing after inaugurating the first phase of the Godhoiya drain rejuvenation project, completed at a cost of Rs.495.24 crore. He also laid the ...