Not happy winning against my father, but this fight was necessary : Akhilesh Yadav to NDTV
On Monday, the Election Commission granted custody of the Samajwadi Party, founded by Mulayam Singh, to his son by awarding the right over the party symbol 'cycle' to the Akhilesh camp that has been in a bitter tussle with a minority group of partymen rallying behind Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Akhileshsh established his right with the help of virtually all the party's legislators and delegates, who extended support to the young Chief Minister.
The poll panel said that it is Akhileh Yadav and not Mulayam Singh who has rights to the party's name and symbol of the cycle, identified easily by voters, many of whom are illiterate.
"He is my father... and after the verdict from the Election Commission, I went straight to meet him," said the Chief Minister today at his home, which is connected to that of his father. "I went to seek his blessing," Akhilesh told NDTV.
NDTV quoted the close aides of Akhilesh Yadav a saying that they are confident that Netaji, as the patriarch is known, will not challenge his son in the elections by contesting as separate party with its own candidates, a move that could split votes and benefit rivals like Mayawati and the BJP.
The feud in the Yadav family turned into an epic drama of power struggle with Mulayam Singh and his brother, Shivpal Yadav on the one side and son Akhilesh with his another uncle Ram Gopal spearheading the other camp.
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