Key Mulayam aide joins BSP

Senior SP leader and former UP minister Ambika Chaudhary on Saturday joined the rival BSP, accusing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of showing “disrespect” to his father Mulayam.

A close confidante of Mulayam who was associated with the party for over two decades, Chaudhary was denied a ticket to contest in the forthcoming Assembly elections. He was earlier sacked from the Cabinet.

BSP supremo Mayawati wasted no time in declaring Chaudhary as her party’s candidate from Phepehna in Ballia district, his traditional stronghold. “When (Akhilesh and his supporters) can do this to Mulayam, where do I stand?” Chaudhary asked.

He also said people are “angry” with Akhilesh for humiliating his father. Chaudhary called the Yadav junior “anti-Muslim” and wanted to help the BJP.

Serious setback
SP leaders admitted that Chaudhary’s defection would be a serious setback. Mulayam, who recommended Chaudhary’s name strongly, was “deeply hurt” by the denial of ticket to his former aide.

SP sources said other key Mulayam aides who were denied tickets by Akhilesh could leave the ruling party.

The party MLA from Etah Ashish Yadav has resigned after being denied ticket and is said to be in touch with BSP, sources added.

Om Prakash Singh and Shadab Fatima, the leaders Akhilesh sacked from the Cabinet at the height of his feud with Shivpal Yadav, are also reportedly discontented since the chief minister did not re-induct them.

Sources did not rule out the possibility of the two leaders, close to Mulayam and Shivpal, joining another party.

Nearly 50 leaders who earlier featured in the SP’s candidate list released by Shivpal have been dropped by Akhilesh.
DH News Service