Shivpal takes digs at Akhilesh at Samajwadi Party silver jubilee gala

Lucknow, Nov 5: Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party tried to put up a united face at its silver jubilee gala here on Saturday but the peace seemed fragile as state party chief Shivpal Singh Yadav took many pot shots at his nephew and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Referring to his dismissal from the state cabinet twice, Shivpal said he was neither greedy for any post nor any ministry, and said if the party so required, he was ready to even give his blood and everything at his command for the Samajwadi Party. He also said that while some people get power in lineage, there were many who were silent workers.

His apparent hint was at Akhilesh being anointed as the successor of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Earlier, the two sides showed unusual bonhomie at the Janeshwar Mishra park at the start of the event. When RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav tried to ensure a shake hand between Shivpal and Akhilesh, the latter touched the feet of his uncle and former PWD minister.

The two were also seen smiling while conversing on some issue. Other socialist leaders present at the do included former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav, Ram Jethmalani among others.