'Mayawati, Owaisi should get Bharat Ratna for ...' Sanjay Raut on UP election results

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday took a dig at BSP supremo Mayawati and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, saying they should be honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna for "contributing to BJP's win" in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking about the

election results

that were declared on March 10, the outspoken Sena leader said the BJP achieved a great victory in Uttar Pradesh but Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party also managed to increase its seat share three times.

"BJP achieved a great victory. UP was their state, still, Akhilesh Yadav's seats have increased 3 times, from 42 to over 125," he said.

Talking about BSP, which managed to win just one seat and AIMIM, which drew a blank, Raut said their leaders should be felicitated with India's highest civilian honour for contributing to BJP's victory.

Raut was alluding to a popular charge the parties like BSP and AIMIM end up cutting into the votes of Samajwadi Party, denting its prospects on several seats.

The BSP posted its worst-ever electoral performance in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, but managed to secure a vote share of 12.9%.