Hectic efforts are on for a rapprochement between Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Akhilesh Yadav has revoked the suspension of four district presidents of Samajwadi Party. The four had been suspended some time ago by his uncle Shivpal Yadav, whom the Chief Minister has openly accused of acting against the party.
The letter revoking the suspension was signed by Naresh Uttam, newly appointed Samajwadi Party UP chief, an Akhilesh Yadav loyalist, who said that Mr Yadav has issued order as the "national president" of the party. Akhilesh has also called upon the party's district units to prepare for elections, which begin on February 11 and end on March 8. Mr Yadav is also likely to meet some legislators and confidantes today to give final touches to poll preparation. He may announce more candidates for the assembly elections after the meeting.
Coming amid the efforts for a patch-up between Mr Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav, the move has been read as an aggressive one.
In the last peace formula discussed at a two-hour meeting, Mulayam Singh was to reassume his role as the party chief; Akhilesh Yadav was asked to decide on the party's candidates for the coming assembly elections, - the issue that triggered the latest round of hostilities; and Mulayam Singh's brother Shivpal Yadav will be granted a national role in party affairs, allowing the Chief Minister some more breathing space in Lucknow.
The tussle for power within the first family of Uttar Pradesh came to a head last week as the supporters of the Chief Minister declared him the chief of the party in place of Mulayam Singh Yadav at a conclave on Sunday.
Akhilesh Yadav has described his hostile 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.
But
both factions have approached the Election Commission, staking claim to what's perhaps the party's most valuable asset - the poll symbol of cycle.