Shivpal Yadav : Framework of Samajwadi Secular Morcha being worked out,likely to be announced

The framework of the Samajwadi Secular Morcha is being worked out and a formal announcement in this regard will be made soon, senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav said today.

"The SSM is a forum of different like-minded political parties. The idea of morcha was approved as there are many like-minded political parties which are ready to extend their support to us to fight the communal forces," he said.

Senior socialist leader Raghunandan Singh 'Kaka', while commenting on the relevance of the morcha said, "The SSM will endeavour to bring all the socialist leaders from UP under one umbrella, so as to pose a stiff challenge to the communal forces."

"Even some senior office bearers of front organisations of the SP are in touch with the SSM," another SSM leader said requesting anonymity.

The warring uncle of Akhilesh made the announcement after a meeting with Mulayam at a relative's house. Shivpal held discussions on forming the new secular front.

Mulayam had earlier blamed Akhilesh for the Samajwadi Party's poor performance and said that his son had insulted him.

"Those who are claiming to be samajwadis (socialists) had distributed tickets in Lok Sabha polls (2014) and the party won only 5 out of 80 seats in the state. Because of them, in assembly polls too the party's tally came down to 47 from 227 in the 403-member House. They should themselves analyse," he had said.

Shivpal had indicated that the family could be united if Akhilesh stepped back and resigned from the post of national president, accepting moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the recent assembly polls.

But, Akhilesh's confidant, Ram Gopal Yadav, had said a few days back that Shivpal should read the constitution of the SP before seeking the resignation.

Ram Gopal had said that Akhilesh would not resign under any circumstances and that there was no question of handing over the party to Mulayam.