Naresh Uttam taunts Shivpal, says will work to make Akhilesh CM yet again

Naresh Uttam, the newly-appointed chief of Samajwadi Party's Uttar Pradesh unit, on Sunday voiced his support for Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav while categorically stating that there is no place for those who do not abide by the party's policies.

"Everybody has a place in this party, those who believe in policies of the party," he said while reacting to Shivpal Singh Yadav's expulsion as the Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party chief.

Uttam, who is also a Member of the Legislative Council, said that his aim would be to ensure victory for Samajwadi Party in the next polls and make Akhilesh the Chief Minister for another term.

"I will try to follow the footsteps of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. I will try my best for strengthening the state and party and I have the blessings of Mulayam Singh Yadav ji," he added.

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh appointed Uttam as the new Samajwadi Party state president.

The appointment came soon after Akhilesh was anointed Samajwadi Party president at a national convention of the party in Lucknow, despite Mulayam calling the meeting and the decisions taken there illegal.

Earlier in the morning, amidst reports of the Akhilesh camp mobilising the supporters for the convention, Mulayam in a letter issued by the party declared the meeting 'unconstitutional' and warned of strict action against anyone who attended it.

The meeting adopted three resolutions through voice vote. First, that Akhilesh should immediately replace Mulayam as the party's chairman and that the founder of the party should be given the role of 'chief mentor'.

Second, Akhilesh's uncle, Shivpal Yadav, should be removed from the position of UP state president of the party with immediate effect.

Third, Amar Singh, also seen by the Akhilesh faction as the main troublemaker, should be expelled from the party immediately.