LUCKNOW, April 15 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of doing precious little for Dalits while in power and of now shedding "crocodile tears" for Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar to mislead people.

Speaking at an event organised by the Ambedkar Mahasabha to mark Babasaheb's 135th birth anniversary, the chief minister also launched a Rs.403-crore project to beautify statues of Dr Ambedkar in 75 districts across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Adityanath targeted the Samajwadi Party and its president Akhilesh Yadav, alleging neglect of Dalit welfare when the latter was the chief minister. He also listed measures taken by the state and Union governments for the uplift of Dalits and preservation ...