Would have resigned had Netaji asked me to, says an emotional Akhilesh

Akhilesh Yadav denied allegations that he was going to float a new party

In a master-stroke, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav made an emotional appeal to his father and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav saying he would have resigned had Netaji asked him to.

Addressing the crucial SP meet, Akhilesh said, "If Netaji (Mulayam) asked me for resignation, I would have given it. Let Mulayam install a chief minister who he feels is honest."

Thanking Mulayam for making him the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and helping him achieve huge success, Akhilesh said, "You (Mulayam), made me the Chief Minister and I have delivered Netaji's promise in UP.  You took me to these heights...Where do I go from there?"

"I was deeply hurt when I heard from others that you wanted to remove me. This is your party. I have no stakes. If your party is at stake, my political career is also on the line," Akhilesh said.

 

Akhilesh refuted rumours of forming a new party for the upcoming state assembly elections. "People are saying a new party will be formed. Who is forming is a new party? I am not."

In a high drama in the first family of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh tried to bridge the gap between him and his father saying it is his fortune to be Netaji's son. "Mera kuch bhi nahi hai party mein. Main netaji ka beta hoon. (I have no stakes in the party. I  am your son)."

He also made it clear that he will take action against those who conspire against the party, Netaji and him. Some people are trying to create a rift in the party... This is a conspiracy against me. If I have to take action against those who are conspiring against Netaji and us, I will take action," Akhilesh said.

The Chief Minister also hit out at party leader Amar Singh and holding him responsible for the rift in the party.

The crucial meet was called following the growing rift within the party with repurcussions likely to be felt in the upcoming polls. In an unexpected move, Akhilesh sacked Shivpal, his uncle and party's state unit chief, along with three other "pro-Amar Singh" ministers from his Cabinet.

In a tit-for-tat action, Mulayam expelled Ramgopal, pro-CM cousin and SP's national general secretary, from the party for six years.

The crisis in the Yadav clan unfolded on Sunday morning when Akhilesh held a meeting of party legislators, a day ahead of a mega meeting of party MPs, MLAs, MLCs and ministers called by Mulayam where some more tough decisions were likely to be taken.