SP backs Hazare-Ramdev's anti-graft stir: Akhilesh

Supporting social activist Anna Hazare and yoga guru Ramdev's joint crusade for a strong Lokpal bill, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said his party welcomes all those fighting black money and corruption.

"We welcome all those who fight against black money and corruption, and appreciate their efforts," the chief minister said in Lucknow when asked about Hazare and Ramdev's move to jointly campaign against graft.

Yadav said his government would soon present the state budget in the assembly and fulfil all the promises the party had made in its manifesto during elections.

Asked about his recent meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Yadav said the meeting was "positive" and the prime minister had promised all possible help for the development of Uttar Pradesh.

Blaming the previous Mayawati regime for power crisis in the state, Yadav said the Bahujan Samaj Party government did nothing for improving the power infrastructure and this affected electricity supply across the state.

He said his government will set up new power generating units and will also strengthen the distribution networks.

He said his government is holding the "janta durbar" or people's court to ensure that their grievances reach the government directly.

Plans to reach out to people beyond the state capital are also on anvil for people who could not come to Lucknow for stating their grievances, Yadav said.