Biting the Ballot

The upcoming assembly polls in UP have forced an uneasy peace on the warring Yadavs. Poll results will determine the top dog.

- Ajay Uprety

The political waters in Uttar Pradesh are roiling. Every time the ripples seem to fade away, another issue breaches the surface. After spending six years in the political wilderness, Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh is now back in the thick of things. Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav reportedly sent a handwritten note to him on September 20, appointing him national general secretary of the party. Singh had fallen out with Mulayam earlier and was dismissed from the SP. He was recently re-inducted.

And, Mulayam had been able to force a truce in the battle between his youngest brother Shivpal Yadav and son Akhilesh Yadav, the chief minister. Both sides compromised. For example, Akhilesh does not like Amar Singh and had stopped taking his phone calls. So, Amar’s appointment as national general secretary is being seen as a reward for his loyalty to Mulayam and Shivpal.

And, Akhilesh was forced to take back one of the two ministers he fired for corruption—Mining Minister Gayatri Prajapati. The minister comes from the most backward class, a vote bank that Mulayam wants in the SP’s kitty. The other fired minister was Raj Kishor Singh.

Strengthened by Mulayam’s support, Shivpal has been taking swipes at Akhilesh. “While sitting on the chair of the chief minister, Akhilesh should listen to everyone,” he said.“He should take everyone along with him. In this state, I have seen many chief ministers who sit on this chair and start revolving. You are here to serve the people. You should not be proud. Akhilesh lacks experience, so he should take [counsel from] the experienced.”