Mulayam, however, said that there is “fault of our people as well who spoke to media” and added that some people created confusion that there was rift in the party.
“Samajwadi Party is a family. There are no differences in the party,” he said.
Mulayam also defended Prajapati who was dropped by Akhilesh as mining minister, saying “the order of his sacking will be rescinded”.
His remarks came hours after Shivpal told agitated supporters who had gathered outside his residence that he was with Mulayam.
“We all have to strengthen Samajwadi Party. We are with Netaji (Mulayam). His message is an order for us. We will not let the party be weakened. In every situation, we are with Netaji,” Shivpal said addressing slogan-shouting party-men outside his 7 Kalidas Marg residence in Lucknow.
“You have to go to the party office. We have to calmly convey our views to Netaji,” he said.
The party men had gathered in his support since last night after he submitted his resignation to Mulayam as ruling Samajwadi Party’s Uttar Pradesh unit head and as a minister in the cabinet of nephew Akhilesh.
However, Mulayam reportedly refused to accept the resignations, they said. Shivpal’s resignation as minister has also not been accepted by the chief minister.
The ruling party circles witnessed hectic confabulations right from the morning with a number of legislators and ministers meeting Shivpal. Prajapati was among those who went to Shivpal’s residence.
Assembly Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey also met Shivpal in an apparent bid to resolve the situation.
After his meeting with Mulayam, which lasted hardly for about 15 minutes, Shivpal left for his residence after which Akhilesh Yadav returned home to meet Mulayam and they discussed the situation.
Mulayam had rushed here from Delhi last evening after the public feud between Akhilesh and Shivpal deepened.
Sourced from PTI, Featured image courtesy: indianexpress.com
