My removal from government a ploy to weaken SP, says Shivpal Yadav

Sacked UP minister Shivpal Yadav said on Sunday that his removal from Akhilesh ministry was an attempt by some people to weaken the Samajwadi Party and that he was not worried about being dropped.

Further, he asserted that the upcoming Assembly polls would be fought under the leadership of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Hours after he was shown the door, Shivpal spoke to mediapersons after emerging from a meeting with SP chief Mulayam and said his sacking was an attempt by some to weaken the party leadership.

In the ongoing power tussle within the ruling party, Shivpal and three other pro-Amar Singh ministers were sacked by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday.

Launching a scathing attack on cousin Ramgopal Yadav, Shivpal, who is the SP's state chief, vowed to fight and win the election under Netaji (Mulayam).

Asking party men to prepare for the polls, he claimed that the people of the state were with the Samajwadi Party and "in 2017 we will form the government under the leadership of Netaji".

In a veiled attack against Ramgopal, he said Sunday’s developments were triggered by "someone" who was playing in the hands of BJP to escape CBI noose.

His reference was towards Ramgopal, who is facing a CBI probe for his alleged involvement in the corruption case of former Noida chief engineer Yadav Singh. Ramgopal has been sacked from the party for six years. 

Shivpal also said that Akhilesh Yadav must learn to identify "well-wishers".