Akhilesh Yadav wins ‘cycle’ battle, father left in lurch

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 16 January gave the election symbol of Samajwadi party to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav following the support Akhilesh received from his party members.

The polling dates are February 11, February 15, February 19, February 23, February 27, March 4 and March 8, 2017.

He said his son chose to ignore his bid to hold talks three times and blamed his nephew Ram Gopal Yadav for the split in the party and family. “This is a just decision”.

Congress politician Kapil Sibal represented Akhilesh Yadav’s group in the EC in the election symbol case.

The ECI also took into account a letter written by Amar Singh, on behalf of Mulayam Singh Yadav, that there existed a splinter group in the party.

“Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use its name and its reserved symbol bicycle for the purposes of the election symbols”, the commission said in its order.

Finally, the Son wins in the tug of war of Cycle between Father and Son of Samajwadi Party.

“It is Akhilesh Yadav who will decide on the alliance”. His energy and sincerity struck a chord in a state used to being placated or instigated by offerings based on caste, and he became the country’s youngest chief minister. Before the verdict, Mulayam Singh Yadav accused Akhilesh of having a negative approach towards Muslims and said he would fight against his son if he does not heed to his advice. It is a fact that Akhilesh has worked his way through to emerge as a pro-development leader. Even if he does, it’s for not more than two minutes. I never had any differences with him.

“I would like to gracefully withdraw as we can not have two CM candidates for the elections”, Dikshit was quoted by ANI as saying.

According to NDTV, Akhilesh confirmed he is closing a deal with Congress and a number of smaller regional parties, like Ajit Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).

Interestingly, he also called Naresh Uttam, who has been appointed party state president by Akhilesh, and he was present during Mulayams address to partymen.

“I have always advocated the interest of Muslims”.

The Samajwadi Party celebrated its 25th anniversary in November, last year.

The RJD chief added Akhilesh’s triumph was also a victory for his father.

“Congratulations @yadavakhilesh for getting SP symbol. You deserve it”, Banerjee tweeted.

Seeing the ground slipping from under his feet with the revolt by Akhilesh’s group, the wily old veteran had said openly a few hours before the EC announced its decision that his group would set up candidates against Akhilesh’s men and that he can not allow Akhilesh to reach out to the BJP at the cost of the party’s long-standing bonds with the Muslim electorate.