Mulayam turns UP govt critic

Appraisal time

Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday turned critique of son Akhilesh Yadav’s regime in Uttar Pradesh, in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Criticising the state government at a function to mark the 103rd birth anniversary of Ram Manohar Lohia, Yadav asked the ministers to either mend their ways or prepare to face action. “I am fed up with the ministers. I know what they are doing. I am giving you (ministers) six months after which I will take action,” Yadav said, adding that seniority will not be the deciding factor in selection of ministers. “You will have to perform.”

He also advised Akhilesh Yadav to shun his “simple and soft” image and start acting tough. “The administration needs to be tough,” Yadav told Akhilesh, who was also present.

The SP supremo said corruption was rampant in the state. “Rampant looting is going on at police stations and tehsils. Why did the government not take any action against district magistrates and superintendents of police?” he asked. “SP leaders are busy defending criminals.”

Apparently concerned over his son’s impression among the electorate, Yadav told party-workers that a positive image would put Akhilesh firmly in the saddle.

Unexpected

Yadav’s outburst took the SP leaders and ministers by surprise.

The SP supremo had expressed concern over the government’s functioning earlier as well and sought dismissal of  “non-performing” ministers. He had called for introducing fresh faces instead.

Party leaders said the spurt in crimes has turned out to be a headache for Yadav. He had, in the past, tried to rein in party legislators and ministers and even warned them of serious consequences if they violated his directives, but in vain.