UP MLA, accused of killing wife, shares stage with Yogi

For many it presented a shocking contrast. Accused of killing his wife, independent UP legislator Aman Mani Tripathi, who is currently out on bail, shocked many, when he was seen on stage at a function in Gorakhpur on Saturday where Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was making a speech.

Ironically Adityanath in his speech issued a stern warning to criminal elements and asked them to leave the state else they would be put in jail.

Tripathi, who was elected as an independent nominee from Nautanwan assembly seat in Maharajganj district in the recently concluded assembly polls, was blessed by Adityanath, when the former touched the chief minister's feet at the function organised at Gorakhpur University.

Tripathi, who is an accused in the alleged killing of his wife Sarah, is currently out on bail. The murder is being probed by the CBI.

Tripathi had, soon after winning the polls, visited the Gorakhnath Temple and paid obeisance there. He had also met Adityanath after the latter assumed charge of the state triggering speculations that he could join the BJP in the near future.

The independent MLA had already pledged his support to the BJP government. Tripathi had put up a large number of hoardings in Gorakhpur town welcoming Adityanath on his visit to the city on Saturday. The hoardings also carried picture of prime minister Narendra Modi.

Tripathi's father Amar Mani Tripathi, a former UP minister, has been serving life sentence in jail after being convicted for killing poetess Madhumita Shukla. Mani's mother has also been serving life sentence in the same case.

Sources in the BJP said that Tripathi had approached the state saffron party leaders for joining the party.