Party convention today, important decisions likely

AFTER MEETING SP chief Mulayamsinghyadavwhenuttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavreturnedtohisresidenceon Saturday, an announcement was madethatapartyconventionwill take place at Janeshwar Mishra Park on Sunday.

“People should not mistake it for a public meeting. This is a convention and all those standing outside are requested to start preparations,” the announcement said.

On hearing this, SP workers and leaders were left contemplating about the reason for such a move, as a day before, SP had expelled general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav for calling the convention, citing sections 14 and 32 of the party constitution. Mulayam too had said that only national president has the right to call such a convention and it was done without his knowledge.

On Saturday evening, an official release — bearing signatures of Ram Gopal as SP general secretary — was sent to the media, informing that a “vishesh rashtriya adhiveshan” would be held on Sunday at 10 am, and requesting that the event be given proper coverage.

Mlcudaiveersingh,whowas at the CM’S residence to express hissupportforakhilesh,said:“this conventionisthebiggestplatform within the party. Professor Ram Gopalyadavhascalledthisadhiveshan. Many important decisions will be taken regarding the party atthisconvention...inwhichdirectionshouldthepartygo,willbedecided there.”