As party totters on brink of split, Mulayam may take strict action against Akhilesh

As the feud in Samajwadi Party seems to have reached a point of no return, Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav may also take strict action against Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his loyalists. With that happening, the Samajwadi party will be headed for possible spilt.

Some SP leaders even suggested that a new party named National Samajwadi Party or Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party with motorcycle as its symbol could be launched by the Chief Minister.

In the meeting which happened at Mulayam’s residence late on Sunday, there are reports of Mulayam calling Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Ajit Singh. It prompts towards a bigger alliance if the split happens. Mulayam got emotional in the meeting over the feud happening within the party. Earlier, Ram Gopal Yadav, an Akhilesh’s loyalist, was suspended from all posts and party for six years.

“Ram Gopal always plays tricks, he has relations with corrupt people. His son and daughter-in-law are involved in scams. He has always misused name of Netaji. He has been conspiring against me, he has been involved with BJP to save his son. UP CM Akhilesh Yadav must understand who is with him and who is not,” said Shivpal Yadav.

Expelled SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Sunday said that all the allegations made against him are baseless and fake. SP leader said that his son and daughter-in-law are not accused in any CBI case.

Ram Gopal said that meeting with other party leaders is a common thing and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also attended Saifai festival on the invitation of Netaji.

"I have always helped party workers and poor. I am not upset on removal from party but saddened by the personal attacks. I may be in or out of the party but am always with Akhilesh," said Ram Gopal Yadav.

The series of events unfolded on Sunday morning when deepening the crisis in SP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sacked four pro-Amar Singh ministers including his uncle Shivpal Yadav, almost pushing the ruling party to the brink of a split. Akhilesh also gave clear orders to Chief Secy Anita Singh and DGP to not issue any orders without his prior signatures.

The trouble in SP hit a new low with the chief minister convening a meeting of party legislators here and recommending to Governor Ram Naik that Shivpal, Narad Rai and Om Prakash Singh (all Cabinet ministers) and Sayeda Shadab Fatima (MoS - Independent charge) be sacked from his ministry. A Raj Bhawan communique said the recommendation was accepted with immediate effect.

Following the extreme action against supporters of Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh, the Mulayam-camp followers got into a huddle at the residence of the SP supremo at a stone's throw distance from the CM's bungalow to decide the next course of action.

The fast-paced developments came a day ahead of a mega meeting of party MPs, MLAs, MLCs and ministers convened by Mulayam where some tough decisions are likely to be taken.

Reacting over the tough decisions made by his son Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav said, Akhilesh should stay within his boundaries, "I am still alive. If I can make him CM, I can remove him from the post as well," he said.

It is for the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav invited his daughter-in-laws Aparna Yadav and Dimple Yadav for party meeting at his residence, however, if sources are to be believed Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh's wife did not attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, Mulayam refused to meet Ramgopal Yadav and Madan Chauhan at his residence.

Akhilesh also made a u-turn towards his patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. Instead of splitting the party, as anticipated, Akhilesh Yadav emerged from his meeting with cabinet ministers as party loyalist, vowing to never break away.

Soon after making some tough decisions against his uncle and other Amar Singh camp ministers, Akhilesh made a few emotional statements for his father and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"Mulayam Singh is and will always be my leader. Will go for rath yatra, but will also attend silver jubilee celebrations. Action will be taken against those who are acting against party and netaji (Mulayam). Will gift express-way before netaji's birthday. I am heir to Samjwadi Party and I will make all important decision," said Akhilesh Yadav.

Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav wrote a letter to his party workers, warning them against creating resistance for UP CM Akhilesh Yadav.

Coming out in strong support of Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal said, "Any one protesting against Akhilesh will not set foot inside assembly, as victory follows Akhilesh." He also said that Akhilesh will defeat all those who dare to stand against him.

(With PTI inputs)