Naresh Uttam's nameplate as SP state president installed at party office

Lucknow: A nameplate of newly-appointed chief of Samajwadi Party's Uttar Pradesh unit, Naresh Uttam was put up in party office on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Uttam was seen visiting the residence of party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"He did not summon me. I went to meet him to seek his blessings. He has played a big role in my life. I asked for his time, he gave his consent for the same," Uttam told ANI.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav earlier on January 1 appointed Uttam as the new Samajwadi Party state president.

Soon after that, Uttam had extended his support for Akhilesh while categorically stating that there is no place for those who do not abide by the party's policies.

Uttam, who is also a Member of the Legislative Council, has replaced Mulayam's brother Shivpal Singh Yadav who is at loggerhead with his nephew Akhilesh.