UP polls | Yadav family feud: Factions led by Mulayam, Akhilesh still looking for ways to fortify grip over Samajwadi Party

The ongoing feud within the Samajwadi Party doesn't seem to die down with Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav continuing their attempts to claim ownership of the ruling party even as further efforts are still being made for a rapprochement between the warring factions led by the father-son duo.

The efforts to resolve the issue ahead of the crucial assembly elections seem to go one step forward, two steps backward, and one step to the side. It is clear that both the factions have truce on their minds but at the same time they want to stick to their stand as well.

While Akhilesh and Mulayam held marathon meetings to find a solution, they have also vowed to approach the Election Commission separately to stake claim of the party and its symbol 'bi-cycle'.

In a show of strength, 221 party MLAs and 60 MLCs signed affidavit in favour of Akhilesh in a meeting of legislators in Lucknow on Thursday.

Akhilesh, who was on Sunday made 'president' of SP by his faction in place of Mulayam, appointed heads of seven more district party units, demonstrating his strengthening grip on the party.

On the other hand, Mulayam and Shivpal too rushed to the national capital the same day to furnish details of support he enjoys in the embattled party to the poll panel. 

Mulayam also held a meeting with his close confidante Amar Singh amid a talk that they may approach the Election Commission with letters of support from over 50% of the legislators and office bearers.

Mulayam's close aides said he had sought time from the commission to put forth his stand but the poll panel firmly denied that any appointment had been sought. Hours later, Mulayam returned to Lucknow along with Shivpal, without approaching the commission. 

Alliance with Congress on cards? 

There are also talks of a possible alliance between the SP and the Congress. If Akhilesh decides to go on his own, he might attempt to forge an alliance with Congress but that too will materialise if the chief minister gets hold on the party and its symbol.