All Samajwadi Party candidates, who trounced in the lok Sabha elections, raised an accusing finger at Ministers in the Akhilesh Yadav Government for their non-cooperative attitude. Samajwadi Party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav was forced to summon a Ministers’ meeting on May 21.
Candidates were unanimous in their complaint that Ministers and ministerial status leaders “backstabbed” them during the elections. “There was no cooperation from their side,” candidates told Mulayam Singh Yadav at a meeting held here on Monday.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was also present in the meeting that lasted for almost three hours. The meeting was called to review the party’s performance and identify reasons for the ignominious drubbing.
The SP leadership gave a patient hearing to candidates who complained about betrayal by local party leaders and non-cooperation by others.
SP leader Safikur Rahman Burq, who lost from Sambhal, in an outburst before the media, blamed some party leaders holding ministerial status for his defeat. “Peeth mein churra ghopa (they backstabbed me),” he was livid but chose not to reveal their names. “I have told Netaji and other senior leaders about that,” he added.
Several other leaders too gave hints about internal bickering within the party leading to their defeat.
But Mulayam Singh Yadav asked candidates not to feel demoralised for the defeat as victory and loss were part and parcel of democracy and elections.
“Go to your constituencies and start your work again. In elections, there is always a win or defeat, but success is only achieved when you learn your shortcomings and take remedial steps,” he advised. “Go to the people who voted for you and thank them about their support,” Mulayam suggested.
The meeting started at 11 am and continued for around three hours. Every candidate was given an opportunity to explain reasons of his defeat. Yadav set the ball rolling by making a brief introductory speech about party’s loss and how to take a lesson from the dismal show.