In UP, Mulayam smooths over rift with Akhilesh, says party 'amar' as long as he's alive

Lucknow, Sept 16: Seeking to rubbish all reports that the Samajwadi Party is on the verge of a split, party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav tried to set the record straight. "Samajwadi Party is a family and there can be no rift in it," said Yadav.

Stories of a rift between Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal have been all over the news for the past couple of days. To add fuel to the fire, Shivpal tendered his resignation as party chief and also as a minister. The same was however not accepted by Akhilesh. Reports also said that Shivpal was being backed by Mulayam.

Mulayam Singh who met with Shivpal in Lucknow said that every father and son have issues. "However, to call it a rift is rubbish. The fault lies with some of our own leaders who have gone and spoken with the media about this issue. It is election time now and all of us need to work together. Let me make it clear that we will all work together and there is no rift in the party," Mulayam also said.

He further said that he has asked Akhilesh to meet with Shivpal later on Friday. When asked if Akhilesh would listen to him, he shot back by saying, " Will Akhilesh say no to me? He will listen to me and not refuse."

Earlier during the day, Shivpal met his followers. He told his supporters that all stand by Netaji (Mulayam). His message is an order for all of us, he said while also adding that he will not quit the party and remain a foot soldier always. 'We have to work towards strengthening the party," Shivpal had said.

OneIndia News