After five years of covert and overt infighting and a month after a crushing electoral defeat in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party formally split wide open with senior leader Shivpal Yadav announcing the launch of a new political front Samajwadi Secular Morcha, headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav, at Etawah on Friday.
However, Mulayam refused to answer queries of reporters in Etawah on whether he would head the new front.
“Good riddance” was the instant response of the Akhilesh Yadav camp. Akhilesh later welcomed the move saying, “I have no information whether any front has been announced. I heard about the proposal a few days ago. I welcome the move. We Samajwadis are always in a state of alert to face any scrutiny and challenge and have always come out with flying colours. Strengthening secularism is the need of the hour and
such a front will work for the purpose.”
Founded in 1992 by Mulayam, the SP has split a few months after celebrating its silver jubilee. With this, the party’s first family too stands divided, with Mulayam, his brothers and son Akhilesh all pulling in different directions. However, Mulayam and his brother Shivpal stand to face disqualification from the membership of the lok Sabha and UP Assembly respectively under the Anti-Defection law.
The Samajwadi Secular Morcha aims to enlist the support of different political parties and fight for the cause of social justice and secularism. While Shivpal claimed that Mulayam would head the outfit, an official confirmation was awaited from the latter. At present, he is the patron of the SP.
When asked by reporters whether he had obtained Mulayam’s approval, Shivpal shot back, “Do you think such a big decision could have been taken without his approval. The prime objective of the Morcha is to strengthen the forces of secularism and social justice.”
“To restore the respect due to Netaji, and to bring the real Samajwadis together, we have decided to float this secular front,” Shivpal added.
Both Mulayam and Shivpal are in Etawah and both had a long meeting at the residence of their brother-in-law Ajant Singh Yadav where Shivpal announced the floating of the new outfit.
Earlier this week, Shivpal had threatened to form a new outfit if Akhilesh did not hand over the party’s reins to his father.
Shivpal’s move of floating a new outfit ahead of the crucial urban local bodies poll in June and President’s elections in July has dealt a severe blow to the efforts of Opposition parties to put up a united front or Rs grand alliance’ against the BJP.
Soon after the Assembly poll results were announced on March 11, BSP president Mayawati had expressed the desire to join hands with anti-BJP parties. Akhilesh too had endorsed her idea.
The floating of a new outfit by Shivpal will not only weaken the SP but also seriously jolt the efforts for united Opposition thereby benefiting the BJP.