Shivpal Yadav changes SP candidates, Akhilesh Yadav says 'no idea'

LUCKNOW: The inauguration ceremony of the chief minister’s new office, built at a cost of Rs 602 crore, was witness to all that is pulling the Samajwadi Party apart ahead of next year’s polls.

Shortly before the building was inaugurated on Monday by CM Akhilesh Yadav and his father, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, the CM’s uncle Shivpal Yadav released a list of 26 candidates, which the CM said he was totally unaware off.

He made his disagreement to a few names public too, even as he seemed to be backing off from escalating another round of tussle with his powerful uncle.

“I am not aware of the list (of candidates).

I am inaugurating this new office building today,” the CM said. But when pressed, he said in half jest, “I have given up all rights.

Now it is in the hands of people and they will decide.”

On ticket to controversial Amanmani Tripathi, who is facing a CBI probe into the murder of his wife, Yadav said, “I can either be honest or political while giving this answer. As I said I am not aware of the names.”


UNITED WE STAND? SP leaders inaugurating the CM secretariat building in Lucknow

One of Akhilesh loyalists, Atul Pradhan, who was given the ticket to contest from Sardhana-Meerut was replaced by Shivpal Yadav.

Reacting to his loyalist being denied the ticket Akhilesh said, “It is like cards being shuffled in a game.

I don’t play cards and instead play chess. Has election been declared yet... Cards are being changed but you don’t know how many changes will happen by poll time. The one who has the trump card will win.”

Later SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav also tried to evade any controversy, saying that there was no disagreement over the candidates list declared on Monday.

The list of candidates includes Shahnawaz Rana from Meerapur and Sher Singh Rana from Thana Bhawan.

Rani Pakshalika Singh, wife of former SP minister Raja Mahendra Aridaman Singh, has got the ticket from Khairagarh and sitting minister Awadhesh Prasad’s son Ajit Prasda has got the ticket from Jagdishpur.