Rebels float 'Apna Morcha', Anupriya Patel hits back

Rebels from Apna Dal (S) in Uttar Pradesh have formed a splinter group, 'Apna Morcha', drawing sharp reactions from party chief and Union minister Anupriya Patel. The development came a day before the party's celebration of founder Sone Lal Patel's birth anniversary on July 2.

The rebel leaders, who claim to support the NDA, said they are preparing to contest upcoming panchayat and assembly elections. Branding themselves the "true voice" of Apna Dal (S), they accused Anupriya of turning the party into a family-run outfit. The group also claims the backing of nine out of the party's 13 MLAs, and is seeking meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS.

Apna Dal (S) state president RP Gautam dismissed the group, saying its leaders were expelled five years ago and are merely seeking publicity.


State minister and Anupriya's husband, Ashish Patel, made a veiled attack on the UP government's media department, claiming money was being spent to malign his image.

Factionalism is not new to the party. Anupriya's mother Krishna Patel and sister Pallavi Patel lead a separate faction, Apna Dal (K).