Modi meets Mulayam, Akhilesh at oath taking

Lucknow March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a brief chat with Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and outgoing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here on Sunday.

While both Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh mingled with BJP leaders on the dais when Modi arrived he met a few BJP leaders and took a chair next to Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister designate Yogi Adityanath.

After the ceremony in which 44 ministers were sworn in Modi got up and waved to the thousands gathered to witness the return of the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in the state after a gap of 14 years.

As Modi was about to leave Mulayam Singh rushed towards him and patted him on the back.

Modi immediately smiled and warmly shook Mulayam Singh s hands. The Yadav chieftain then took Modi to his son Akhilesh Yadav.

The Prime Minister patted the back of the former Chief Minister.

Mulayam Singh then whispered something into Modi s ear after which the Prime Minister broke into a hearty laugh. BJP President Amit Shah briefly joined them.

--IANS
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