SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav extends olive branch to Akhilesh, says party is united; rules out any breakups

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday night extended an olive branch to his rebellious son Akhilesh, reiterating that he would be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh if Samajwadi Party retains power, marking a thaw in relations after internal split over sparring views.

“Akhilesh will be the next Chief Minister. Our party is completely united. There is no question of the party breaking up,” Mulayam said.

The internal dispute of SP’s factions had even reached the Election Commission office to claim their stake over Cycle symbol.

The surprising move came after the factional war in the Samajwadi Party escalated with the Akhilesh camp seeking an early decision on the disputed party symbol while the embattled SP patriarch asserted that he is still the party chief.

“We will very soon tour the entire UP to send out a message of unity. All the confusion that was there is ending. Akhilesh will be the next CM,” Mulayam added.

Watch | No chances of split in Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav will be Chief Minister after elections: Mulayam Singh Yadav

Clearing the air further on reports of conflict, Mulayam asserted there were ‘no differences’ between him and Akhilesh but one person has influenced his son which had led to problems in the party, an apparent reference to Ramgopal.

With Inputs from PTI