Lalu downplays SP rift, says 'all is well' in Yadav clan

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Nov. 5 (ANI): Seeking to downplay the apparent differences between the Samajwadi Party top brass, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and state party president Shivpal Yadav have come together to prove that there is no fight in the party. He said that the Yadav brothers don't fight with each other and are always united against communal forces. Recounting the past years of Janata Party, he said that even at the time, there was a lot of confusion and ruckus on stage due to enthusiasm but Samajwadis have always come together at the end. He also addressed Akhilesh as the future Chief Minister of the state. "Everything is fine in the family...there is no tension," Lalu said. Sparing no opportunity to lash out at his arch political rival, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lalu also targeted the Centre stating that the governments' attempt at gagging the press only showed that India was moving towards "dictatorship." Taking a jibe at the Modi government, Lalu also asked that in two-and-a-half years of rule, if anyone could spot any increase in employment opportunities. He also brought up the reservation demands from various communities, the Kashmir unrest and other issues. Bringing up the Kashmir issue, Lalu stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 56 inch chest is "useless" if the government cannot control the situation in the restive state of Jammu and Kashmir. "This nation is leaning towards tension and emergency. We should not bow down. What is the use of a 56 inch chest when you are not able to control the situation in Jammu and Kashmir for so many days?" he added. (ANI)