GORAKHPUR, May 27 -- Mata Prasad Pandey, Leader of the Opposition in the UP Assembly, on Tuesday alleged that the government intentionally delayed the panchayat elections in the state due to fear of public resentment. He also criticised the government over the alleged deterioration of law and order, accused it of carrying out 'fake encounters', and claimed that the administration was 'running on God's mercy'. Pandey was in Gorakhpur to meet Samajwadi Party leader Shyam Yadav who is lodged in Gorakhpur district jail. During his visit, he sought an explanation from jail authorities regarding Yadav's alleged placement in solitary confinement, a move that has triggered fresh political controversy. Shyam Yadav, a former party office-bearer and councillor, was reportedly kept in a separate barrack following his detention under the Gangster Act. The issue gained prominence after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav reportedly expressed displeasure over the treatment meted out to the party leader....