Soon after taking charge of the Samajwadi Party's Uttar Pradesh head, Shivpal Yadav on Monday expelled seven leaders of Chief Minister Akhelish Yadav’s team from the party. Those who have been expelled include Sunil Yadav (MLC), Ananad Bhadoria (MLC), Mohammed Abad (state head of youth brigade), Brijesh Yadav (state head of Yuvjan Sabha), Sanajay Lathar (MLC), Gaurav Dubey (national head of youth brigade) and Digvijay Singh (state head of Yuvjan Chatra Sabha).
After this retaliatory move of Shivpal, there have been a spate of resignations among youth workers of the party. About 20 youth workers have already forwarded their resignations.
Shivpal expelled the youth leaders on the charges of anti-party activities and shouting slogans against party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav during a protest. A video clipping of them shouting slogans was sent to Mulayam Singh Yadav and the decision was taken after reviewing the clipping. In a written statement, Shivpal said, “All those who have resigned, their resignations have been accepted.”
Expelled leader Brijesh Yadav said, “We were influenced by the thought and vision of Akhilesh Yadav. Once he was sacked from the post of state head of the party, we raised a voice against it. It was our sentiment not the revolt.”
Earlier, soon after taking charge, Shivpal expelled Arvind Yadav (MLC), a close relative of SP national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav on the charges of land grabbing and making derogatory comments against Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Expelling people close to Akhilesh and Ramgopal Yadav is likely to have far reaching effects and it may further intensify the ongoing rift in the party. During the recent crisis in the party, Ramgopal had stood by Akhilesh.
Akhilesh is yet to react on the expulsion of his men.
