Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 18 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the Election Commission, stating that if Yadav had any doubts about the poll body, he should have approached the court.

Rajbhar's remarks came in response to the Chief Election Commissioner's press conference held on Sunday.

'If Akhilesh Yadav had any problem, if he did not have trust in the Election Commission, then who stopped him from going to the court... The public is well aware of the efforts of the opposition to mislead them through social media and the media. Everything has become clear after the press conference of the Election Commission yesterday. The Election Commission has clarified that if anyone has certified facts, then they should follow the procedure...,' he said.

Commenting on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's statement regarding Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Uttar Pradesh Minister demanded an apology from the Congress leader.

'Definitely he (Rahul Gandhi) should apologise. You are playing a dirty joke on the people of the country. The election commission, which is praised all over the world, you are putting them in a dock by making false allegations against it, so you must apologise to the country...,' he said.

On Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make the right decision and 'walk the path of truth.'

Calling attention to the poll body being under 'undesirable pressures,' the SP leader said that the support of crores of voters will be their 'protective shield,' with one 'corrective step' ensuring the welfare of the people.

'The Election Commission needs not just reform but an inevitable fundamental transformation. Today, the historic responsibility of saving democracy rests on their shoulders. It is understood that they are under various kinds of undesirable pressures, but they should not think they are alone,' Akhilesh Yadav posted on X. (ANI)