Lucknow, Aug. 11 -- Opening the Monsoon Session with a blistering attack, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of hiding behind a "facade" of democracy while subjecting traders to atrocities and a 'goonda tax' during its rule.

Targeting SP's "negative politics" in Sambhal, Bahraich, and Gorakhpur, he also cautioned Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, whom he acknowledged as a senior leader, against being used as a pawn for others' vested interests.

CM Yogi intensified his criticism of the Samajwadi Party for opposing the Gorakhpur Heritage Corridor, calling its stance "anti-development." Outlining the project, he said the corridor will link iconic landmarks, including Ghantaghar, the city's oldest market,...