I will contest UP Assembly polls, asserts Shivpal Yadav

Lucknow: Former Samajwadi Party Uttar Pradesh president Shivpal Yadav, who lost the political battle with his nephew Akhilesh Yadav, confirmed on Wednesday that he will contest the upcoming elections in the state.

"I will contest the UP Assembly elections," declared Shivpal Yadav while talking to a leading news channel.

Earlier on Tuesday night, SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav had sent a list of 38 candidates, including Shivpal Yadav, to son Akhilesh Yadav, who was recognised as the SP national president and allowed to use its 'cycle' symbol by the Election Commission.

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Finally putting at rest the speculations of an internal feud with Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said, "There is no longer a dispute with Netaji."

On being asked about his father's pool of candidates, the CM said, "I am open to all good suggestions, but we have to think carefully before we select candidates. It's very important to make sure that those who represent us are the right choice."

Akhilesh is holding a meeting at 5 Kalidas Marg, the official residence of the UP CM, in state capital to finalise the party candidates for the upcoming polls. The party has confirmed to fight the polls in alliance with the Congress. It has been reported that SP has offered a little over 100 out of UP's 403 seats to Congress and other alleys who join them.

The Samajwadi Party will contest on approximately 300 seats and it is being said that Akhilesh will accommodate all 38 candidates suggested by father Mulayam Singh.

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Shivpal Yadav, who had the backing of his elder brother Mulayam Singh Yadav in his feud with Akhilesh Yadav, seems to have been sidelined from the party leadership now.

In the initial list of 38 candidates suggested by Mulayam Singh, Shivpal Yadav's name was missing but soon, the SP founder revised the list and added Shivpal's name in place of son Aditya Yadav.

It may be mentioned that Shivpal Yadav represents the Jaswantnagar constituency.