Akhilesh Yadav defends 'Saifai Mahotsav' extravaganza

Akhilesh also said that the Mahotsav, organised every year by its organising committee, locals and youths, is aimed to encourage the state's culture.

“It gives a platform to young artists, small traders and farmers and some Rs 6 or 7 crores are spent every year... And this time it was same,” he claimed.

The chief minister also defended his government's grant of Rs one crore to Dedh Ishqiya and Bullet Raja saying that it was part of the state's programme to promote tourism.

“It's also the policy of the government to encourage tourism,” he said.

Defending foreign tour of 17 legislators including eight ministers, Akhilesh said it has been done in every government and the Centre's approval is a must for this.
 
Meanwhile, condemning Akhilesh for defending the expenditure and presence of Bollywood stars at the Saifai Mahotsav, opposition parties today said that tone and tenor of the CM for media was dangerous for democracy.