UP CM Akhilesh breaks silence, says 'this is fight in govt. not within family'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday downplayed reports of a rift between him and senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav, saying this was a fight in the government and not a family tussle.

"Where have you found a family fight? This is a fight in the government, not a family fight. If people outside the family intervene then how will the government function? Some decisions were taken with consultation with Netaji (Mulayam Singh) and some I took on my own," Akhilesh said.

Meanwhile, Shivpal has left for the national capital to meet party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Shivpal earlier today told the media in Safai that he would follow the party's decision and carry on the work assigned to him with dedication.

Commenting on the decision taken by Akhilesh, Shivpal said it is the right of a Chief Minister to select his Cabinet Ministers and to assign them the responsibility, adding the Uttar Pradesh chief has done the same.

The Samajwadi Party yesterday removed Akilesh as its state president and appointed his uncle and Cabinet Minister Shivpal in his place.

The announcement, signed by Mulayam, came on a day when Akhilesh sacked Chief Secretary Deepak Singhal, who was considered close to Shivpal.

Soon after the announcement, Akhilesh divested Shivpal of all important ministerial portfolios including PWD, irrigation, cooperative, flood control and revenue and handed him the social welfare department.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister earlier on Monday sacked two key ministers, including Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, who were considered to be a part of Mulayam's team.