Shivpal fuels SP feud day after Mulayam’s ‘no respect’ remark

LUCKNOW: A day after Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav’s “no one respects me now” observations, the feud appears to have resurfaced in Yadav family with senior party leader and MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav targeting the SP leadership for not giving him any responsibility.

Shivpal Singh Yadav though did not name anyone while speaking on the issue, but his reference to Samajwadi Party chief and nephew Akhilesh Yadav was obvious. “I have not been given any responsibility. I want some responsibility given to me and all of us fight (2019 Lok Sabha elections) together. This is the only way to success. I have been waiting for the past one- and-ahalf year. How long will I tolerate this utter neglect,” said Shivpal Singh Yadav in Kannauj on Sunday. Shivpal Singh Yadav has met chief minister Yogi Adityanath more than once in recent months.

The meetings, though have been described personal, Shivpal Singh Yadav’s decision to express his feelings soon after Mulayam Singh Yadav’s “no one respects me now” statement have assumed political significance.

There are speculations that Shiv Pal Singh Yadav may form his own party or join a leading political party to be part of the NDA ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Shivpal Singh Yadav, however, said he respected party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav and would not leave him under any circumstances.

“We are respecting Netaji and will continue to do so. I have been with Netaji and will remain with him. Those not giving him (Mulayam Singh Yadav) any respect owe everything to Netaji. They started their innings in politics with Netaji and have been benefitted,” said the SP MLA.

At a programme in Lucknow on Saturday, the SP patriarch had also referred to SP ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia to make his point that though people did not respect him now, he may get respect after his death.