Varanasi: A hoarding featuring images of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders with an objectionable caption angered party leaders and workers on Sunday morning.The hoarding was installed near the PAC crossing and carried images of Akhilesh, jailed SP leader Azam Khan, and Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq. After news of the hoarding and its caption spread, several SP leaders gathered in the trans-Ganga area of Ramnagar. They protested and called it a shameful act by BJP members.The leaders claimed Akhilesh Yadav’s rising popularity rattled the opposition, which was trying to tarnish his image. They also said the govt was forced to back down on prepaid electricity smart meters due to the SP’s strong opposition to irregularities.On learning of the protest, Ramnagar police reached the spot. In their presence, SP workers climbed the pole and tore down the hoarding.
