UP minister AK Sharma accused SP chief Akhilesh Yadav of defaming Hindu religious events like the Kanwar Yatra and Mahakumbh for political gains. "Opposition only engages in vote-bank politics...it's fine to point out flaws in arrangements, but do not question our festivals," he added. Earlier, UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak criticised SP leaders for comparing Yatra's devotees to terrorists.