Mohan Singh was also made member of SP's Parliamentary Board, a post held by Amar Singh. Announcing the decision, SP General Secretary Ramgopal Yadav told reporters that Vishambhar Prasad Nishad and Ramasare Kushwaha will hold the post of general secretary.
Both Nishad and Kushwaha have come in place of Amar Singh and Sanjay Dutt, who too had earlier this month resigned from the post of general secretary. Yadav also appointed senior party leader and Rajya Sabha member Brijbhushan Tiwari as SP's National Vice President. Tiwari has been given the post after it felt vacant with the passing away of Janeshwar Mishra last week.
SP has also included its Kerala unit leader Joe Antony in party's Parliamentary board. When Ramgopal Yadav was reminded that it was Amar Singh's birthday today, he said, "I wish him happy birthday". Yadav was involved in a bitter war of words with Singh recently.
Mohan Singh, who was appointed by party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in place of Amar Singh, told reporters, "Since Amar Singh has resigned as party's general secretary, member of parliamentary board and as spokesperson, he has already detached himself from the party.
"Rajya Sabha membership is given by the party and, therefore, he should resign from Rajya Sabha also."
Mohan Singh's remarks came shortly after his appointment which coincided with Amar Singh's 54th birthday today.
"Amar Singh is now part of history. In political parties, people keep coming and going. It is an ongoing process. Parties which understand the common man's issues continue to prosper. One major question before the SP now is how to make people aware of its socialist face," the new spokesman said.
He said it will take sometime for the party to regain its socialist image.
Mohan Singh, however, said Amar Singh alone should not be held responsible for the party's image of being associated with the "rich and mighty only."
"People felt that the SP has become a party of corporates. We too are responsible for being mute spectators" on the issue, he said.
