SP MLAs in touch with Shivpal, Akhilesh unfazed

Lucknow: More than a dozen Samajwadi Party MLAs in Uttar Pradesh are said to be in touch with Shivpal Singh and are inclined to join his Samajwadi Secular Morcha.

According to sources, most of the MLA who are in touch with Shivpal Yadav, are those who are considerably senior and have been virtually sidelined in the Akhilesh era.

“I am a senior MLA but I have no say in the party. I am never invited for any discussions and not even consulted on issues related to my constituency. It is almost as if I do not exist for the party,” said a legislator from eastern UP. This MLA is keen to contest the Lok Sabha elections and is unsure of getting a ticket from the Samajwadi Party.

“The SP will give away majority of the seats to Bahujan Samaj Party and my preferred seat could be one of those. What is the point of even asking for a ticket here? I am weighing all options and may join Shivpal Yadav,” he said.

Mr Shivpal Yadav, on the other hand, said, “My doors are open for all those who feel humiliated in SP. I have suffered for more than two years and know how it feels to be neglected. It is unfortunate that Akhilesh is making no efforts to keep his flock together – so why blame me if his MLAs want to join me?”

SP MLA Hari Om Yadav who represents the Sirsaganj constituency in Ferozabad district was recently seen with Mr Shivpal Yadav when he held a road show in Ferozabad.

Ferozabad is the bastion of SP MP Prof Ram Gopal Yadav and his son Akshay Yadav is the MP from this constituency. The road show was a huge success which is apparently a cause for worry for the SP leadership.

“In May this year, I and my son were sent to jail by the BJP government on false charges and my own party did not support me. Is this not reason enough for me to do some introspection?” he asked.

Sources in the Shivpal camp confirmed that majority of the SP MLAs who were in touch with Mr Shivpal Yadav were those who were keen to contest Lok Sabha elections. At least four legislators want to quit SP because of the alliance with BSP.

 “In my constituency, Yadavs are constantly at war with Dalits and vice versa. How can I accept this alliance and our party president is unwilling to take any suggestions,” said a legislator from western UP.

The Samajwadi Party, meanwhile, remains unfazed at the developments. “It will be better if the deadwood goes away. We want young blood in the party and we have ample ground support,” said a MLC known for his proximity to Mr Akhilesh Yadav.