‘I am SP boss’

But the decision to replace the party boss with his 43-year-old son triggered the inevitable as both factions approached the Election Commission to claim the election symbol ahead of the elections.

Mulayam stressed that he is still the boss, saying Ramgopal’s national convention in Lucknow was “illegal” as he and Akhilesh were thrown out of the party before that.

He said brother Shivpal continues to be the president of the party’s Uttar Pradesh unit.

He assured supporters in Lucknow that the SP would retain power for a second term.

“Hamari party me koi vivad nahi hai (There is no dispute in our party),” he said.

The party’s poll symbol faces the threat of being frozen in case the Election Commission is unable to decide which of the two factions commands majority in the party organisation.

Ramgopal had submitted affidavits of 4,716 delegates, claiming an overwhelming support for Akhilesh.

But Mulayam is expected to challenge the rival camp’s claim and request the poll panel to check the “authenticity and legality” of the documents.

His long-time friend and the party’s Rajya Sabha MP, Amar Singh, said the signatures of support were “forged and their authenticity is doubtful”.

News agency ANI quoted Singh as saying that he was ready to resign and Shivpal would not contest elections if that keeps the SP and the family united.

“Har tarah ka tyaag balidaan dene ko hum tayyar hain, taaki parivaar toote nahin aur ek rahe (We are ready to give any sacrifice to keep the family united),” he said.

The Portuguese Prime Minister said his government’s focus was on achieving a strategic partnership that would work to the development of both the countries.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS