LUCKNOW, July 21 -- Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Monday alleged that individuals linked to the Samajwadi Party, posing as Kanwariyas, were attempting to defame the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. In response, the Samajwadi Party said the government was shifting blame to cover its failure in handling law and order during the religious procession.

"You know that anti-social elements from the Samajwadi Party in the guise of Kanwariyas are working to defame the Kanwar Yatra. Our government is strict when it comes to law and order. Whosoever breaks the law will have to face action," Pathak said while addressing media in Lucknow.

He added that the government had adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards those disrupting peace in the state....