Won’t let UP become Gujarat: Mulayam Singh Yadav

“I am sad over the incidents in Muzaffarnagar. Communal forces succeeded in their sinister designs. We will not allow Uttar Pradesh to become another Gujarat. Whole cabinet is sitting here,no leniency will be allowed,” Mulayam said while pointing at the ministers sitting on the stage.

“Such incidents will not recur. Both (Chief Minister) Akhilesh Yadav and Azam Khan are present here,we need to be tough on such forces. Remember government is the supreme force. Its terror is even more than the terrorists. Communal forces are to be dealt with sternly and cannot be dealt with talks,” he said.

He also cited the example of his tenure when he ordered firing on karsewaks in 1990 and saved the Babri Mosque.

“We will usher in development but not like Gujarat. No massacre will be allowed,” he said. Mulayam also said Muslims were discriminated against since Independence “even though they made equal contribution in the country’s development”.

Mulayam also targeted BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi,saying he was visible only in Gujarat and TV.

Mulayam also announced that the SP will provide free food under the Food Security Act after assuming power at the Centre.

Azam,who was asked by Akhilesh to speak after him defying the protocol,too,tried to bridge the gap between Muslims and the party. “Some people are misleading you. They want you to move away from SP. In this manner,the country will end up in wrong hands,” he said.

“I admit your resentment. It is supreme for me but at least identify the conspiracy which is going on in western UP. Remember Mulayam’s commitment that he will not leave Muslims even if he loses government,”Azam said.

Azam claimed the recent riots indicated SP’s innocence. “Just think why this happens only when SP is in power. We cannot bring back life but we will do enough so that the affected families stand on their feet,” he said.

“Now it is up to you to decide who will rule the country – Those killed Bapu or those who follow Gandhi’s ideals,” he added.

Earlier,Akhilesh highlighted the achievements of his government and outlined several welfare schemes. The foundation stones for various projects to the tune of Rs 434.28 crore,which include a state engineering college,were also laid during the rally.

SP projectsYadav sons as its next generation leaders

FAISAL FAREED

MAINPURI,NOVEMBER 7

Samajwadi Party (SP) unveiled its next generation of leaders with several sons of the Yadav family given prominence at the stage during its Vikas Rally at Christian College ground in Mainpuri Thursday.

Mulayam introduced Ramgopal Yadav’s son Akshay Yadav from the stage as SP candidate from Ferozabad. “He is the party candidate from Ferozabad. Please vote for him,” Mulayam told the crowd at his home turf.

The SP chief,however,did not introduce other candidates — like Rameshwar Yadav from Farrukhabad,Devendra Yadav from Etah,Premdas Katheria from Etawah — present there.

Mulayam’s nephew Anshul Yadav occupied the second row behind Ramgopal Yadav,Shivpal Yadav,CM Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam.Tej Pratap Yadav,Saifai block pramukh and Mulayam’s grandson,was also present. Only Shivpal’s son Aditya Yadav was missing as he was reportedly abroad.

Local SP workers said Tej Pratap is biding time and would represent Mainpuri after Mulayam. “He is only 25 and Netaji (Mulayam) loves him too much. His father Ranveer Yadav is no more and,hence,he will take the baton from Mulayam in Mainpuri,” Jageshwar Yadav,a local SP leader from Karhal in Mainpuri,said.

A large number of vehicles sporting stickers of Akshay and Tej Pratap,too,had arrived with their supporters at the rally ground.

While Mulayam delivered his speech,the three young Yadavs — Akshay,Tej Pratap and Anshul — stood right behind him so that the cameras could capture them.

“These three are youth leaders of our party and have arrived as part of Jaswant Nagar assembly seat which is in Etawah. People here know them very well,” Mainpuri MLA Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav said

Placards were also put up with pictures of Tej Pratap Yadav. “He a is regular at Mainpuri and attends to workers’ grievances. He will eventually represent Mainpuri.”

In fact,the expectation seemed to come true when the SP chief stopped short of announcing himself as Mainpuri candidate. “I will not say who is the candidate from Mainpuri,” Mulayam said.

After the rally,however,Cabinet minister Azam Khan cleared the air and announced that Mulayam will remain the candidate from Mainpuri.

Understanding that time has come to usher in the second generation,Mulayam said: “I am very happy that no party has so many youths. When youths decide anything,they can usher in any change,” he said.