SP splits

There was a time when people said UP has five and half chief ministers. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Shivpal Yadav, Ramgopal Yadav, Azam Khan, and the woman who was chief secretary were said to be the five chief ministers. Akhilesh Yadav was half chief minister.
Gradually Akhilesh Yadav asserted himself. In 2012 he had led the party to victory. He had discarded SP’s opposition to English and computers. Many young people joined SP and voted for SP. He tried to change the image of the party which was known as a party of criminals. That did not go down well with Mulayam Singh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav.
There were clashes between Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav. Akhilesh opposed merger of Qaumi Ekta Dal with SP. There were other issues. In the beginning of November 2016 there was compromise between Akhilesh and Shivpal.
At the end of December there was clash again over the candidates for UP elections. Akhilesh and Shivpal came up with different lists. Mulayam sides with Shivpal. On 30/12/2016 at 6.30 p.m. during a press conference he announced expulsion of Akhilesh for six years. This expulsion was unusual for two reasons. One, a ruling party president expelled its CM. Two, father expelled his son.
Some say blood is thicker than water. Yadavs will eventually patch up. Power is thicker than blood. Ever since Akhilesh became CM, Mulayam had publicly spoken against him. Akhilesh had put up with it saying the leader has the right to speak.
Clashes between father and son for power are not new. History is full of such clashes. Ajatashatru had put his father into prison and is said to have executed him. Salim had revolted against Akbar. Aurangzeb had deposed Shah Jahan. In contemporary India there was fight between Karunanidhi and Alagiri.
Chances of SP winning the next UP election appear bleak due to this split. The fight within the family has become a public spectacle. SP members will have to take sides.