Allotting cycle to Akhilesh is victory of truth: Samajwadi Party state chief

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan. 16 (ANI): Welcoming the Election Commission of India's move of allotting the Samajwadi Party symbol 'cycle' to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's faction, party state president Naresh Uttam on Monday says that the development is the victory of truth and the people of the state. "This is the victory of the truth and people of Uttar Pradesh. We welcome the decision of Election Commission," Uttam told ANI. Further commenting on Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said that the former has always believed in democracy and respects the Constitution of India, adding that with his blessing Akhilesh Yadav will fight the upcoming assembly election and once again will become the chief minister of the state. Earlier today, the Election Commission entitled Akhilesh Yadav the Samajwadi Party 'cycle' symbol, giving a major shot in the arm for the Akhilesh camp ahead of the assembly polls. "The Commission hereby announces that the group led by Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use its name and its reserved symbol 'Bicycle' for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968," the order read. Reacting to the development, Akhilesh's aid and uncle Ram Gopal Yadav applauded the Election Commission for handing out a just and fair order. "I would like to laud the Election Commission for giving a just order and the Commission will also be blessed by the people of Uttar Pradesh. I would like to congratulate all the Samajwadi Party workers and ask them to work and make Akhilesh the Chief Minister again," he told the media here. Responding to a poser about the possible 'Mahaghatbandhan' ahead of assembly polls, Ramgopal said, "I am hopeful that Mahaghatbandhan will take place, but the final decision rests with Akhilesh." There have been various attempts to hold parleys within the Akhilesh and Mulayam camp, but the meet has always remained inconclusive. According to sources, Mulayam told Akhilesh to step down from the post saying that he would remain to be the party's face for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. But, Akhilesh refused the offer saying that he would pass on the baton once the elections are over. Elections will be held in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh starting February 11, and nominations for the first phase begin on January 17. Votes will be counted on March 11. (ANI)