JD (U) concerned, Congress carefree on SP split

The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday expressed concern over the reports of a split in the Samajwadi Party (SP) but the Congress Party seemed carefree on the development, which is going to change the political equations in Uttar Pradesh (UP).

JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav said it was sad that the Samajwadi Party was heading towards a split instead of being more united after the defeat in the recently held assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

"It is sad and I consider it as a concerning development. There should have been unity in the SP after the defeat but the reports of split in it are not good," Yadav told ANI.

Congress, which fought last assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh with the Samajwadi Party, seemed carefree and refused to comment on their split.

Congress leader P.L. Punia told ANI, "Reports are emerging that there is a split in the family of SP Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and there will be two parties- SP and Samajwadi Secular Party. It is their internal matter and the Congress doesn't want to interfere in it."

Shivpal Yadav on Friday announced the formation of the 'Samajwadi Secular Morcha' to be led by Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"In order to restore his (Mulayam) lost dignity and to bring all Samajwadis together, there will soon be an announcement of this secular front in Lucknow," Shivpal told ANI.

Mulayam Singh founded the Samajwadi Party but after a bitter internal fight, the party now is in control of his son and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Akhilesh on Friday termed his uncle Shivpal Yadav as 'Aasteen ke Saanp' (foe in the disguise of a friend).