Mulayam, Dimple Yadav campaign for Aparna in Lucknow Cantt

Lucknow: Putting political differences aside, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, the wife of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, on Wednesday sought votes for her sister-in-law Aparna Yadav, the wife of Mulayam Singh Yadav's second son Pratik and the SP candidate from Lucknow Cantt. Samajwadi Party (SP) veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav too earlier appealed to voters to help elect Aparna Yadav, who is considered to be in the Shivpal Singh Yadav camp. Aparna Yadav is pitted against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi in her maiden foray into politics. Aparna Yadav was denied the party ticket by Akhilesh Yadav when he took over as the SP National President, but fielded her later at Mulayam's insistence. She has always maintained that she did not belong to any group within the SP and that she is a part of the Yadav family. Aparna Yadav had also said in the past that her "Dimple Bhabhi" will campaign for her. Dimple Yadav, the MP from Kanauj, obliged and sought votes for Aparna Yadav by listing out schemes and projects initiated by her Chief Minister husband. Aparna Yadav said the SP alliance with the Congress was not need-based but a decision taken in view of the demand by the people. Earlier in the day, Mulayam Singh canvassed for votes for Aparna Yadav: "She is my daughter-in-law... Keep my honour and ensure her victory from the seat."