UP Elections: Without PM Modi's Varanasi campaign, BJP would have faced complete wash out, says Akhilesh Yadav

As 40 seats in Uttar Pradesh went for polling in the final phase of elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have been completely washed out, if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not campaigned in Varanasi.

"People voting in the last phase are upset with BJP. Had Modi not campaigned, BJP would have got wiped out in the face of the good work we have done," Akhilesh told Times of India.

Polling is taking place in 40 seats amidst tight security with all eyes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.

Stating that this would probably be the first election in Uttar Pradesh that is being fought on a positive note, he added, "People have voted for development and this is my biggest achievement"

When asked about election results, Akhilesh said that he had no regrets and that he has worked hard. "I have worked very hard and done my best. If I win, I will work harder and raise my bar higher."

The BJP is hopeful of capturing power in the state after 15 years. Ahead of the last phase, PM Modi held two back-to-back road shows, addressed four public meetings, visited an influential ashram and offered tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri - all in a span of three days - as he sought votes for his party candidates.

But an intensive campaign by rival leaders Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of SP and his ally Rahul Gandhi of the Congress has raised the stakes for them.