Father and son trade blow at SP meeting, but Mulayam says Akhilesh won't be removed as UP CM

According to reports, the  father-son duo, whose differences over few party heavyweights spilled over in the open before the upcoming Assembly elections, made emotional speeches in which Akhilesh offered to resign and Mulayam said he is saddened at the family feud precipitating the party.

The meeting witnessed some heated exchanges as Mulayam Singh chastised his son for 'abusing' power and being surrounded by 'sycophants', while stoutly defended his brother Shivpal and Amar Singh, who Akhilesh considers as ones trying to harm the party.

He also warned the son against making any wrong move, saying the "youths of the state are still with me."

"I am hurt by this rift in the family," Mulayam Singh reportedly said as he remained by the side of his brother, disapproving of his son's acts by delivering some scathing words.

"Drunkards, goons have been added to the party. You get some power and it goes to your head. Shivpal Yadav is leader of the masses," the father told the son.

"I will never forget the work Shivpal has done for me and Samajwadi Party...he had done a lot and  Amar Singh helped me in tough times," he said.

“I will never forget the work Shivpal has done for me and Samajwadi Party," he said.

On Amar Singh Mulayam said: “Amar Singh is my brother. I can’t leave Amar Singh or Shivpal Yadav. All of Amar Singh’s sins are forgiven.”

“I tell Akhilesh things but he focuses on other things. Abusing people does not help.”

Reminding Akhilesh that it was he (Mulayam), who had built the party, Mulayam Singh said he would never compromise on principles.

Taking a dig at some ministers close to Akhilesh, the party chief said, " Some ministers are just busy being sycophants. And people who can’t think big can’t be a minister."

Mulayam also asked Akhilesh to learn from PM Modi. “Look at PM Modi. He became PM with dedication and struggle. He comes from a poor family, says he can’t leave his mother.”

Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav denied the allegation of his uncle Shivpal, saying he is not going to float a new party.

"A conspiracy is being hatched against me. But I will resign if Netaji (Mulayam) asks me to step down as CM," he said breaking down.

However, Shivpal maintained that Akhilesh had told him that he would form a new part,y and contest the upcoming polls.

"People who work to weaken SP, who work against us...they should know we will form Govt again with Netaji’s sweat and blood," he said.

Shivpal also said that those clashing with his supporters are goons sent by Akhilesh Yadav and not Samajwadi workers.

Outside the Samajwadi Party's Lucknow office where the meeting was being held, Akhilesh Yadav's s supporters clashed with those of Shivpal Yadav-both shouting slogans.

Amar Singh, the party's newly appointed general secretary, was not at the meeting.