Akhilesh Yadav says chopper delay from Delhi to UP was "Conspiracy"

Akhilesh Yadav, who has emerged as a key challenger in Uttar Pradesh, this afternoon alleged that his helicopter was briefly stopped from flying from Delhi to UP's Muzaffarnagar he called it losing BJP's conspiracy. Nearly half an hour after accusing the ruling party of halting his chopper, he posted a cheeky tweet - "We are ready to take the flight to victory".

He also shared a photo of him standing in front of the helicopter. "Public knows it all," he added in an attack on the rival party.

The BJP is yet to react to the claims. The allegation comes just days ahead of the start of the seven-phased UP elections (on February 10).

About 30 minutes later came an update with a swipe. "The misuse of power is a trait of people who are losing. This day would be registered in the history of Samajwadi's struggle. We are ready to take the flight to victory," Mr Yadav, 48, tweeted.

Shortly after, Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary, a Jat leader, was seen welcoming Mr Yadav to Muzaffarnagar. At a joint presser, the allies slammed the BJP government over farm laws that were withdrawn after year-long protests.