The SP leader said Narendra Modi holds "such a high position but is fighting with me" and challenged the Prime Minister for a debate on development of Uttar Pradesh.
"If the prime minister wants a debate, he should not talk about other issues...I say this openly that if he (PM) wants a debate with me on development issues I am ready for it...We ask what you have done for UP and we will also tell what all we have done," he said addressing an election meeting here in support of party nominee Masood Khan on Tulsipur seat.
"BJP people have lost the battle on the ground and so their language has changed," he said, wondering on what course they wanted to take the elections as the SP only wanted to take it on the path of development.
Shah had made these comments while seeking to draw a parallel between the rival parties and the Mumbai attack perpetrator Ajmal Kasab.
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"You have already seen BJP and BSP, give us one more chance to serve you and take the state ahead on the path of development," he said.
Attacking the Prime Minister further, he said, "Piqued are only those who are faced with defeat...Only those who are left behind talk about the past...PMji do not confuse our Uttar Pradesh...If you are the adopted son of UP, then we belong to this place...Who is going to adopt us".
"We in UP have tried to emulate the policing system in the US and developed UP-100...Now policemen cannot misbehave with the public," he said.
On the prime minister's allegations that police stations are run by SP people, Akhilesh said he does not know that it is also run through UP-100.
"We admit that there had been some shortcomings, but it will improve with UP-100 and the anomalies in the police working will be addressed," he said.
(REOPENS DEL20)
On BSP chief Mayawati, Akhilesh said, "Buaji who formed government with BJP thrice is saying she will not go with them but the reality is that given a chance, she will once again celebrate raksha bandhan with them.