Akhilesh Wrests Mulayam’s Party From Him; EC Hands Cycle To Yadav Jr

Mulayam Singh Yadav has now lost the symbol of the party he founded. The Election Commission of India (ECI) today recognised Akhilesh Yadav’s faction as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and hence handed over the symbol of the “cycle” to the younger Yadav.

With this, a Congress-SP alliance looks more likely. Senior party member Ramgopal Yadav, of the Akhilesh faction hinted at a possibility of a maha-gathbandan (grand alliance), but maintained that the final decision would be Akhilesh’s.

Supporters of Akhilesh Yadav celebrated outside his residence in Lucknow after the verdict came out. Uttar Pradesh is set to vote between 11 February and 8 March this year.