Son beats father in 'cycle' race as EC allots party symbol to Akhilesh

The Election Commission of India on Monday entitled Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav the Samajwadi Party 'cycle' symbol, giving a major shot in the arm for the Akhilesh camp ahead of the assembly polls.

"The Commission hereby announces that the group led by 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 (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968," the order read.

Reacting to the developments, Akhilesh's aid and uncle Ram Gopal Yadav applauded the Election Commission for handing out a just and fair order.

"I would like to laud the Election Commission for giving a just order and the Commission will also be blessed by the people of Uttar Pradesh. I would like to congratulate all the Samajwadi Party workers and ask them to work and make Akhilesh the Chief Minister again," he told the media here.

Responding to a poser about the possible 'Mahaghatbandhan' ahead of assembly polls, Ramgopal said, "I am hopeful that Mahaghatbandhan will take place, but the final decision rests with Akhilesh."

There have been various attempts to hold parleys within the Akhilesh and Mulayam camp, but the meet has always remained inconclusive.

According to sources, Mulayam told Akhilesh to step down from the post saying that he would remain to be the party's face for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

But, Akhilesh refused the offer saying that he would pass on the baton once the elections are over.