Mulayam-Akhilesh impasse continues over 'SP Chief' post

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan. 10 (ANI): The Samajwadi Party in-fight refuses to subside, as the current stalemate between Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav over the post of the party president, failed to reach a conclusion. According to sources, Mulayam told Akhilesh to step down from the post saying that he would remain to be the party's face for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. But, Akhilesh refused the offer saying that he would pass on the baton once the elections are over. The sources further state that the meeting is likely to take place again to discuss about the same. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has fixed a hearing of both the factions of the Samajwadi Party in connection to staking claim of the party symbol. The hearing will take place on January 13. Although Akhilesh Yadav was unanimously elected as the president of Samajwadi Party by his supporters, Mulayam has always maintained that he still holds the post while his son Akhilesh is the Chief Minister. Speaking to ANI yesterday, Mulayam stated that the Samajwadi Party is united and will soon set out to campaign across the state as one. "For the benefit of the entire state, our party stands united. There is no question of any division whatsoever in the party and we will begin campaigning soon. Akhilesh will be the next chief minister, there is no doubt about that," he said. Earlier today, Mulayam held a separate meeting with Akhilesh and urged him to withdraw the letter he had sent to the Election Commission (EC) claiming support of 212 out of 229 MLAs. Akhilesh Yadav had a 90-minute meeting with his father this morning. Mulayam Singh's confidante Shivpal Yadav and close aide Amar Singh were not present at the meeting, said reports. (ANI)