Amid speculations of rift, Shivpal meets Mulayam

Amid speculation of a growing rift within Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party, party leader Shivpal Yadav on Wednesday met party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav here.

Shivpal Yadav reached Mulayam Singh's residence at 16, Ashoka Road with his son Aditya Yadav after receiving a summon from his elder brother. He did not speak to the media.

The development took place after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was removed as the state party chief and replaced by his uncle Shivpal Yadav.

Akhilesh Yadav in turn divested Shivpal Yadav of plum portfolios in the state cabinet.

The entire episode was triggered after Akhilesh Yadav had sacked two ministers -- Gayatri Prajapati (Mining) and Rajkishore Singh (Panchayati Raj) -- considered close to Mulayam Singh and Shivpal Yadav on Monday.

Prajapati also met Mulayam on Wednesday in New Delhi for over an hour.

Earlier, addressing his supporters in Safai, Shivpal Yadav said it was the Chief Minister's right to take or give portfolios.

Asked if he would resign from the Samajwadi Party, Shivpal Yadav said he would take a decision only after meeting Mulayam Singh.

"Netaji jo faisala lenge, vo hume sweekar hai (I will accept any decision taken by Mulayam Singh). The people of the state are with Mulayam Singh and Samajwadi Party," Shivpal Yadav said.

--IANS

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