Samajwadi Party’s latest attempt to put up an united face at its silver jubilee celebrations today didn’t came through as state party chief Shivpal Singh Yadav took many pot shots at his nephew and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
Shivpal, taking a swipe at his nephew, said that some people inherit power without doing anything while others get nothing despite making sacrifices.
While making it clear that he does not want to be the Chief Minister, Shivpal Yadav said Akhilesh can "sack" and "insult" him but he can give his blood for the party and stressed that he has worked hard as minister in the last four years.
"I want to tell popular CM Akhilesh that whatever sacrifice you want from me, I will give. I never want to become CM. You can insult me, sack me many times (as minister) but I can even give my blood for the party," he said while addressing the party's silver jubilee celebrations.
"You (CM) have done a good job. But I have also done a good job in past four years in the ministries given to me. You can verify works done by me in PWD, irrigation, Revenue, Cooperative and others departments", he said.
An emotional Shivpal, who was sacked by his nephew CM Akhilesh said, "Some intruders have entered (in the party) and are creating atmosphere (of differences)...You (Akhilesh) can insult me anytime...What you want from me just tell me and I will not say anthing...But whenever question of netaji (Mulayam) arise, I myself, the entire party will take a stand and not tolerate. I have to stay with netaji".
Pointing at Akhilesh, Shivpal said, "Some persons get things due to their fate and other work had and don't get their due. Some person indulge in sycophancy and get benefits of government but those who made sacrifices are sidelined".
"We have to take everyone along. Post (in the government) did not matter. We are followers of Ram Manohar Lohia and will follow his ideals", he said at the function which was being attended by party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The SP has been battling a family feud between Akhilesh and Shivpal. While Mulayam has been insisting that all is well in the party, both Shivpal and Akhilesh have been making statements exposing the rift in the party.
Earlier, when the event started, Akhilesh and Shivpal were given swords which they accepted smilingly Akhilesh also touched the feet of uncle Shivpal.
RJD Leader Lalu Prasad, who was present at the function, was seen holding hands of both Akhilesh and Shivpal.
They were earlier seen having a discussion about the programme on stage in a bid to show unity in the family.
In his address, Shivpal also welcomed Lalu, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, former PM HD Devegowda, INLD leader Abhay Chautala, Ram Jethmalani and other leaders.
(With PTI inputs)
