A CM shouldn’t be arrogant, Akhilesh needs more experience: Shivpal

Samajwadi Party (SP) state president Shivpal Yadav said a chief minister should not be arrogant, after Akhilesh Yadav reinstated him to his portfolios.

Samajwadi Party (SP) state president Shivpal Yadav said a chief minister should not be arrogant, after Akhilesh Yadav reinstated him to his portfolios.

SP leader Shivpal Yadav, along with his son, Aditya Yadav, and Gayatri Prajapati, right, addresses supporters outside his residence in Lucknow. (PTI)

“I have seen many chief ministers in the state. Most turn arrogant and develop a massive ego,” Shivpal said at an India TV conclave on Friday. “I have learnt a lot from Netaji (Mulayam). Akhilesh too should learn from him and me as well. Akhilesh needs more experience.”

Shivpal had resigned from all party posts, including as the state unit president and his ministerial position, intensifying the crisis — in the government and the party.

“The responsibility given to me is huge. I need to work harder as elections are near,” he said, announcing his return as the UP party chief.

When asked about Akhilesh’s demand for authority to take a call on ticket distribution, Shivpal said, “How elections are fought are the prerogative of the party chief and Netaji (Mulayam) will decide on ticket distribution”.

Regarding party leader Amar Singh’s role in the ongoing family feud, Shivpal said, “Amar Singh can never cause any harm to our family”.

“Outsiders are with Netaji and also with Akhilesh. There are some ministers in his cabinet who are outsiders and do no work,” he said.

When the quizzed about the recent developments, Shivpal said there was some misunderstanding and all concerns had been conveyed to Mulayam, who will take a final call on Saturday.

“I am with Netaji in politics since I was 14. I got a lot. I never imagined that I would get so much. All I wanted in life was an ordinary ‘naukri (job)’. I got that. But then I left it and became an average farmer. I did a lot of manual farm work. Then I won an election and went on to become MLA four times and minister multiple times. I was never greedy for the chief minister’s post,” he said.

He also asserted that he would support Akhilesh for the CM’s post if the party returned to power next year.

All eyes are now on party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is likely to spell out a few crucial decisions on Saturday.

Read | Akhilesh Yadav gives back ministries to Shivpal, keeps hold on UP poll tickets