After MSY’s ‘no respect’ remark, Shivpal says party neglecting him

LUCKNOW: After Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav observed that he was no longer respected, feud appears to have resurfaced in the Yadav family with senior party leader and MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav targeting the SP leadership for not giving him any responsibility.

Though Shivpal did not name anyone, his reference to SP president and nephew Akhilesh Yadav was obvious.

“I have not been given any responsibility. I want some responsibility so that all of us may fight (2019 Lok Sabha elections) together. This is the only way to success. I have been waiting for the past one and a half year. How long will I tolerate this neglect?” asked Shivpal in Kannauj on Sunday.

Shivpal has met chief minister Yogi Adityanath more than once in recent months. Though the meetings have been described personal, Shivpal’s decision to express his feelings soon after Mulayam’s statement has assumed political significance.

There is speculation that Shivpal may form his own party or join a leading political party to be a part of the NDA ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Shivpal, however, said he respected Mulayam and would not leave him alone.

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

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