Akhilesh’s image, work has unnerved Mayawati: Shivpal Yadav

The Samajwadi Party’s (SP) new state president of Uttar Pradesh, Shivpal Yadav launched a counter-attack on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati in Lucknow on Sunday, saying she has been unnerved by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.

The Samajwadi Party’s (SP) new state president of Uttar Pradesh, Shivpal Yadav launched a counter-attack on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati in Lucknow on Sunday, saying she has been unnerved by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.

SP leader Shivpal Yadav addresses supporters outside his residence in Lucknow. (PTI File Photo)

In his first address to the party workers after a week-long feud with Akhilesh, Shivpal said, “Akhilesh Yadav’s image and works have unnerved her. She is very jittery because of the unrest and exodus she is facing from her flock. She should concentrate on containing it.”

Shivpal’s riposte came after Mayawati had attacked SP national president Mulayam Singh Yadav earlier in the day saying that he had made his brother (Shivpal) a sacrificial goat.

The newly appointed boss of the SP’s UP unit also defended Mulayam saying struggles and principles were the cornerstones of his politics.

For much of last week, bad blood between Akhilesh and Shivpal had threatened to split the Samajwadi Party before Mulayam restored some kind of order. Akhilesh ended up restoring two of the three portfolios he had taken away from Shivpal and accepted his uncle as the party’s chief in UP.

Also on Sunday, Shivpal issued a statement on the terror attack on Uri army camp in Kashmir. Calling the incident unfortunate, he paid tribute to the martyred soldiers.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi must take firm steps to prevent a repetition of such an incident. The country’s security must assume top most importance,” he said.