UP Assembly Polls: Uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav seeks alliance with nephew Akhilesh Yadav

Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (PSP) chief Shivpal Singh Yadav has reiterated his desire to forge an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has already welcomed the move and the possibility of such an alliance to face BJP in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections next year.

The alliance will be great: Shivpal
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Shivpal said, "I have been seeking this (alliance with Samajwadi Party) for the last two years. It will be great if it happens." He further hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that people are disappointed with the party. "BJP made false promises at the time of elections, so there is a necessity of a change of power in the state," he said.

No love lost between Akhilesh and Shivpal
Shivpal's efforts are more of survival tactics as despite his best efforts he has failed to eclipse BJP or his nephew Akhilesh Yadav. Shivpal carries practically no weight in Uttar Pradesh politics in terms of winning seats if he continues to play alone, so merging the forces with Akhilesh Yadav helps him remain relevant in the political arena.

Return to the fold with full respect: Akhilesh Yadav
Earlier on November 3, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also announced that his party will form an alliance with his uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav's party and will give him "full respect". "It has been the endeavour of the Samajwadi Party to stitch an alliance with smaller parties. Naturally, we are going to forge an alliance with the party of Uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav as well. Samajwadi Party will give him full respect," said Akhilesh Yadav.

The rancour that caused the parting of ways
Shivpal Singh Yadav formed Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (PSP) after leaving the Samajwadi Party. Shivpal left after Akhilesh Yadav took over the reins of the Samajwadi Party from his father Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Political exigencies might force a change of heart but how this development would be perceived by the voters will be clear in the run-up to the assembly elections due next year.

Also Read:

Arvind Kejriwal was making false promises of providing employment in Goa, says Alka Lamba

(With ANI inputs)