CM releases list of 235 candidates; is SP heading towards a split?

Soon after Akhilesh’s father and party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, announced the shock decision, hundreds thronged to the CM’s 5 Kalidas Marg residence.

Questioning Ramgopal’s intention and accusing him off brainwashing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam said, “Chief Minister is not understanding that Ramgopal is finishing his career and his future”.

“SP has no tradition of projecting anyone as its chief ministerial candidate”.

To a question, Mulayam said Akhilesh was “free to contest” from any seat he wanted.

If the governor does not act before election dates are announced, Akhilesh will continue as the caretaker chief minister. This is unacceptable to Akhilesh Yadav’s supporters.

New Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh will be decided by us, says Mulayam after expelling son Akhilesh from party.

The family conflict came to a head on Friday when 77-year-old Mulayam announced he was expelling his son and Ram Gopal for “weakening the party” he founded in 1992.

But in subsequent developments, Akhilesh was replaced by Shivpal as the party’s state chief and Shivpal lost his ministership.

The meet is to be held shortly and is expected to see the participation of both, senior leaders and young leaders.

Meetings called by father and son tomorrow are likely to be an indicator of what’s next.

One youth identified as Rohit Singh of Gomti Nagar area tried to self immolate by pouring kerosene on him but police foiled his attempt.

Ramgopal who has stood with Akhilesh as he battles his cousin Shivpal in the party, had called an emergency meeting of the party on January 1 citing his rights as General Secretary.

September 19: Shivpal’s firing of seven youth leaders result in a number of youth leaders close to Akhilesh Yadav quitting the party.

Some SP office-bearers resigned in support of Akhilesh, including party spokesperson Naved Siddiqui.

Mulayam Singh called a meeting of party candidates on Saturday at the party office in Lucknow.

Addressing a press conference, he said: “Ram Gopal Yadav has been suspended from the party for six years for indiscipline”.