shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > India News > Article > Akhilesh Yadav wins cycle war blow to SP Chief Mulayam Singh

Akhilesh Yadav wins 'cycle' war, blow to SP Chief Mulayam Singh

Updated on: 16 January,2017 07:33 PM IST  | 
Agencies |

In a major boost to Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, Election Commission on Monday recognised the faction headed by him as the Samajwadi Party and alloted the reserved symbol 'Bicycle' to it for contesting the coming Assembly elections

Akhilesh Yadav wins 'cycle' war, blow to SP Chief Mulayam Singh

Akhilesh Yadav PIC/PTI
Akhilesh Yadav. File pic

The Election Commission on Monday recognized the faction led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as the Samajwadi Party and allotted it the 'cycle' symbol, dealing a huge blow to Mulayam Singh Yadav.


The decision, less than a month before the staggered Uttar Pradesh assembly election starts on February 11, was first announced by Akhilesh confidant Ram Gopal Yadav.


A beaming Ram Gopal Yadav, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to vote Akhilesh Yadav back to power in the coming election.


"This is a just decision," he told the media. "The Election Commission will get the blessings of crores of people of Uttar Pradesh."

 Akhilesh Yadav wins
Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. File pic 

The decision triggered wild celebrations among Akhilesh supporters in Lucknow, where the Chief Minister immediately headed to the house of his father and party founder Mulayam Singh.

The Samajwadi Party formally split on January 1 when the Akhilesh faction ousted Mulayam Singh as its President.

Both factions then petitioned the Election Commission to allot it the 'cycle' symbol.

After some two weeks of bitter fighting, the poll panel -- which heard both versions for hours on Friday -- on Monday voted in favour of Akhilesh Yadav.

Mulayam Singh, who has lost the support of the majority in the party, had been desperate to hold on to the symbol which he picked long ago.

An Election Commission official said: "The group led by Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use the 'cycle' symbol."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK