Mulayam Singh Wields Axe, Sacks Chief Minister: Will Akhilesh Yadav Split Party?

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav dropped a bombshell on Friday evening expelling his son and chief minister Akhilesh Yadav from the party just ahead of crucial elections in Uttar Pradesh. He has also expelled his cousin and senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav for the second time in months, accused him of "spoiling the career of the chief minister." The Samajwadi Party chief said both Akhilesh and Ram Gopal have been sacked for weakening the party.