No rift in family, party till I am around: Mulayam
LUCKNOW: Breaking his silence over the feud in Yadav family, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav asserted on Friday that there could be no differences in the party till he was around. “You must be worried and came here hearing about whatever is happening. Akhilesh just met me and we had a discussion. Can there be any differences between a father and his son? If there is a need, we will sit again. Akhilesh will not defy me. From Akhilesh to Shivpal and Ramgopal, we are one,” he said. “I have been told that (Gayatri) Prajapati has been expelled. If he has been expelled, how is he here? If any action was taken against him, it has been revoked,” he said.
Though the SP chief did not mention it clearly, he hinted that Prajapati might be taken back in the Akhilesh cabinet. (Later, Prajapati’s reinduction was announced).
When some SP workers started shouting slogans demanding justice to Shivpal, he said: “I know how hard Shivpal has worked. I have come here to tell you there are no differences. We will discuss how to move ahead,” he said.
“I will meet them again. This election is very important. The government has worked well,” Mulayam said.
He said that workers were given posts in the party as well as the government. “Those who have been deprived of responsibility will be given a chance when we form the government again,” Mulayam said.
“You have struggled to take the party to this position and helped it form the government. Some forces do not want the SP to return to power. Differences do occur in a big family. Samajwadi Party is a family. There may be some issues, but there are no differences,” he said.
“Work for the party happily and form SP government again. Youths are present here in a large number. The party that has youth is strong,” he said.
“Earlier, I formed the government thrice. Was Akhilesh there at that time? I have been an MLA for 11 terms and an MP for six terms. I was defence minister and was about to become the Prime Minister – find out,” said Mulayam.
“Lalu also spoke to me. He is a leader, not just a relative,” he added.
“I have a meeting in Azamgarh on October 6. I will start poll campaign from there. Go and get ready for election. Ticket distribution will be over in next four-five days,” he said.
Earlier, Shivpal and Akhilesh met Mulayam separately at the latter’s residence. In the morning, Shivpal had asked his supporters to reach the SP headquarters. However, Akhilesh’s supporters also reached there and started shouting slogans in favour of the chief minister.
Shivpal’s supporters also shouted slogans such as ‘Netaji, nyay karo’ and ‘UP ki majboori hai, Shivpal zaroori hai’.
I know how hard Shivpal has worked. I have come here to tell you there are no differences. We will discuss how to move ahead... I will meet them again. This election is very important. The govt has worked well. MULAYAM SINGH YADAV, Samajwadi Party national president
You have struggled to take the party to this position and helped it form the government. Some forces do not want the SP to return to power. There may be some issues, but there are no differences.