In 2013, when riot victims were battling extreme cold and lack of basic needs at relief camps, the Akhilesh government was busy in Saifai festival. Mulayam Yadav had denied the hardship faced by riot victims, calling it a rumour by opposition.
UP CM said that the state is now known for grand cultural events like the Divya Kumbh and Ayodhya Deepotsav, those who organised Saifai festival will never return to power again.