Cycle symbol will be ours, Akhilesh Yadav told over 200 lawmakers of Samajwadi Party
Highlights
- Suspension of 4 district presidents by Shivpal Yadav revoked by Akhilesh
- Move by Akhilesh Yadav described as aggressive to show who is boss
- Election Commission asked both groups to confirm majority to claim symbol
Akhilesh Yadav has over 200 lawmakers on his side, his supporters said today after a meeting in which the Chief Minister reportedly told them that in the massive fight for control of the Samajwadi Party, the party's "cycle" symbol will be theirs. Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav pressed on with his own efforts to assert his claim over the party he founded 25 years ago. Ahead of polls from February 4, both groups have been asked to prove by Monday why they each believe they deserve the party's symbol, the cycle.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this big story
Akhilesh Yadav's camp claims that 214 lawmakers attended a meeting at his Lucknow home. Sources say over 200 legislators have confirmed their support for the Chief Minister with a signed document.
Akhilesh Yadav reportedly told lawmakers they should prepare to fight the polls under the party's "cycle" symbol. Samajwadi leader Naresh Aggarwal, who is close to him, said: "The real Samajwadi Party is the one with complete majority. I believe that the Election Commission will give the symbol to us."
Mulayam Singh, who flew to Delhi today along with his brother Shivpal Yadav, may approach the Election Commission again.
Shortly after announcing that elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh yesterday, the Election Commission wrote to both factions asking for signed affidavits from lawmakers and others for a proof of their strength.
In the middle of his bitter feud with his father, Akhilesh Yadav last night took back four leaders suspended by his uncle Shivpal Yadav. A letter said the decision was signed off by the Chief Minister as "national president" of the party, which has been described as an aggressive move to show who's boss.
"We will move forward with the Netaji's blessings," Akhilesh Yadav said firmly, urging his supporters to prepare for polls. Both sides concede that chances of a compromise are now almost zero.
The tussle for power within the first family of Uttar Pradesh, festering over the past few months, escalated after supporters of the Chief Minister declared him the chief of the party in place of Mulayam Singh at a conclave held on Sunday.
Akhilesh Yadav described his takeover as a "tough decision" sometimes needed to "protect the ones you love". But he also repeatedly said he does not wish to undermine his father.
A day later, Mulayam Singh and leaders close to him met the Election Commission and said the meeting in which Akhilesh was elected party president was illegal.
Akhilesh Yadav's camp then submitted details claiming that he has the support of a majority of the party leaders and elected representatives, so he leads the real Samajwadi Party.
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