Whether it was an agitated Shivpal Yadav shoving party leader Javed Abidi away from the microphone as he was praising Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, or the CM touching his uncle Shivpal's feet after being prodded by RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the Yadav family saga was virtually being played out in presence of thousands of party activists at the Janeshwar Mishra park here.
When the event started, Akhilesh and Shivpal were given swords which they accepted smilingly. While the scene left many chuckling, Lalu stepped in and held hands of both Akhilesh and Shivpal as they posed for lensmen with the props.
UP SP president Shivpal Yadav took a dig at chief minister Akhilesh Yadav while making welcome speech. He said that while some people get power in lineage, there were many who were silent workers.
Highlights of Shivpal and Akhilesh's speeches:
- Aapne mujhe talwar bhent ki hai, aur talwar doge toh chalayenge hi: Akhilesh
- Kisiko pariksha deni ki zarurat nahi hai, kisi ko pariksha deni hai toh, main tayyar hoon: Akhilesh
- Kuch log sab sunenge lekin party bigadne ke baad: Akhilesh
- In last few years UP govt has set an example for rest of the states, be it in construction of roads or anything else: Akhilesh
- We have come a long way, now we have to take SP to next level and we have to do this together: Akhilesh
- I thank Netaji for forming this party with a lot of blood, sweat and struggle: Akhilesh
- I assure you that we will come back to power and not let communal forces succeed: UP CM Akhilesh
- The upcoming UP elections will decide the political future of the country: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow.
- Shivpal Yadav talks to Mulayam Singh Yadav and pushes SP leader Javed Abdi twice to stop him from speaking on stage. Abdi had raised slogans in favour of Akhilesh and Mulayam. Shivpal asked him to maintain discipline at the stage. (PICS ABOVE)
- I don't want to be the Chief Minister: Shivpal
- Even if Akhilesh asks for my blood, I will give it to him: Shivpal.
- I have taken great risks in building Samajwadi Party. I have worked day and night for the party: Shivpal.
- Only those who work for the party should get post in party and government. No one should get a post if he does not work for the party: Shivpal.
- It is because of Netaji's struggle and the risks he took that SP was able to form government in UP not once, but thrice: Shivpal.
- You can't insult me, remove me but don't question my work: Shivpal
- SP state president Shivpal Yadav is seen addressing the audience.
- Akhilesh touches Shivpal's feet to take blessings.
- Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav are seen together on the stage
Egged on by Prasad, Akhilesh touched Shivpal feet to seek his blessing who kept his hand on the CM's head.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda too held the hands of the warring uncle and nephew.
While Shivpal, who was sacked by Akhilesh from cabinet vented out his unhappiness in his speech, the Chief Minister gave a subtle response.
Pointing at Shivpal's confidant Gayatrai Prasad Prajapati, who was sacked by him earlier, Akhilesh said, "You give me a sword but you don't want me to use it."
Earlier, Abidi, who is close to Akhilesh took hold of the mike and started addressing the gathering in favour of Akhilesh terming him as "future of the party".
"While you (Mulayam) are the soul of the party, Akhilesh is its vigour," he said.
However, Shivpal soon got up and went to Mulayam and soon came near Abidi and shoved him away from the mike.
"Everyone should maintain discipline. Indiscipline will not be tolerated," Shivpal said amid slogan shouting in the audience.
The SP has been mired in a power tussle between Akhilesh and Shivpal ever since Mulayam removed his son as state party chief and appointed his brother Shivpal.
The party tried to send a message of unity with Shivpal attending the flagging off Akhilesh's rath yatra on Thursday for assembly elections and giving his "blessings".