Samajwadi Party infighting: The timeline of events that led to Shivpal Yadav’s resignation
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How it all began: Sacking of chief secretary Deepak Singhal
On Tuesday, CM Akhilesh decided to replace Shivpal aide Deepak Singhal, who was the state’s Chief Secretary, with reportedly one of his own confidantes, Rahul Bhatnagar. While no reason was given for this removal, party insiders believe that Singhal was removed as he attended a dinner hosted by once-expelled leader Amar Singh, who is considered to be close to Shivpal. -
Sacking of the two ministers
Along with Singhal, Akhilesh also sacked Mining Minister Gayatri Prajapati and Panchayati Raj Minister Raj Kishor Singh over charges of corruption. Singh was removed as the in-charge for minor irrigation and animal husbandry. Sources suggest that the two ministers continued to serve in the cabinet despite resistance from others due to their proximity to Mulayam Singh. However, by sacking them, Akhilesh had managed to make a big statement. -
Akhilesh’s removal as UP state chief and Shivpal’s exit from the Cabinet
Hours after Akhilesh announced his decision to remove Singhal, Mulayam Singh ruffled a few more feathers by announcing that Shivpal would now replace nephew Akhilesh as the party chief for the UP state unit. The whole episode took a dramatic turn when Akhilesh divested his uncle of all chief ministerial portfolios in return. -
The Amar Singh angle
While speaking on his recent decisions, Akhilesh said he had to intervene if ‘outsiders’ interfered in party affairs. Many suspect this outsider to be the once-ousted leader Amar Singh who was inducted back in the party and apparently had Mulayam’s ear and Shivpal’s backing. -
Shivpal’s late-night resignation from govt, party posts
The round one of this family bout ended with Shivpal offering resignation from all party posts after he met the father-son duo separately. Saying that he would respect Mulayam Singh’s commands, Shivpal quit from all his positions along with his son Aditya Yadav who is Chairman of Pradeshik Cooperative Federation. Akhilesh, however, has reportedly rejected the resignation letter.
