UP CM Akhilesh Yadav holds a press conference defending the Saifai celebrations. On the defensive for the extensive criticism the celebrations have earned in the background of the tardy relief for the Muzaffarnagar riot victims, Yadav said the Saifai festival is held every year, and would have been held even if the SP was not in power.

He said the festival is organised by the people and it provides indirect employment to a lot of people.

He said why were the artistes being asked about Muzaffarnagar, when he was the CM. "Ask me, I am the CM!"

He said he was shocked by media reports that Rs 300 crore was spent on Saifai. "They should apologise for the misinformation," says Yadav. The fact is the entire state's budget for tourism is Rs 300 crore and just Rs 7 to Rs 8 crore has been spent on the Saifai Mahotsav. He said it was done to promote tourism and it is necessary.

"The media has become the judge, jury, and they set about punishing people. This is not democracy. The media house who said Rs 300 crore was spent on Saifai should apologise," he said.

On the Rs 1 crore tax break for Dedh Ishqiya, Yadav said the film promotes the Lucknow culture, the tehzeeb -- the city is so famous for. It is government policy to promote tourism, he said.

He also reiterated that the government has rehabilitated people in Muzaffarnagar, but they should return home now.