Shivpal advises Akhilesh to gain more experience

Netaji will decide on ticket distribution, how elections are fought are perogative of the party chief, said Shivpal

Defending 'outsider' Amar Singh, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav today advised nephew and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav not to develop an ego and to "gain more experience".

"Anyone sitting on the chair of the Chief Minster should not develop an ego. I have seen many Chief Ministers. Akhilesh needs to gain experience. He should learn from Netaji (SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav) and me as well," Shivpal said here at India TV's 'Chunav Manch' conclave.

Defending Amar Singh who has been criticised over his alleged role in the feud between Shivpal and Akhilesh, he said, "His name should not have been taken. He can never cause any harm to our family. No decision in the party is taken without Netaji's consent. Need to tactfully deal with outsiders, if any, and one should apply his mind."

On Akhilesh's demand for more say in ticket distribution, he said, "Netaji will decide on ticket distribution. How elections are fought are perogative of the party chief. Netaji will allocate responsibilities."

With regard to the ongoing dispute in the Yadav family which has spilled out in the open, Shivpal said, "There could be problems in the family. It is conveyed to the Chief. I have conveyed my views to Netaji."

On the chief minister stripping him of key ministerial portfolios, he said, "Portfolios are prerogative of the chief minister. I have no competition with him. In 2017, if we get majority again, I will propose his name. I'm not in the race for chief ministership. Akhilesh was with me since he was 4-years-old, he is like my son."

"We will not allow SP to go weak. Elections are near, we need to work hard. I was state president till 2011 and was in middle of a meeting when I was removed from the post but I didn't utter a word," Shivpal said about the responsibility of state president which was given to him by Mulayam.

On his resignation from the Cabinet, he said, "As I was having responsibility of one department, it was better to quit the government and work for the party."

Shivpal had last night submitted his resignation as ruling Samajwadi Party's state unit head and as a minister.

On reaching an agreement in the dispute, he said, "Netaji has heard all of us. He will talk to some others, if he wants and will take decision by tomorrow.