Would have changed law & order in 15 days: Mulayam

He asked Akhilesh to take action against non-performing officials. “If they are not working,lodge a report and put them in jail. When politicians can go to jail for corruption,why not officials?” Mulayam added.

Responding to a query,Mulayam said he did not exert any pressure on Akhilesh. “Ask him if there is any pressure or interference from my side. I never put pressure but only give advice. For the past 15-20 days,I have not talked to him. But since I am not only a father but also the national president of a party,I have a right to give advice,” Mulayam said.

On not attending the dinner to celebrate UPA government’s anniversary,Mulayam said he is not part of the UPA. “In the Lok Sabha I am against UPA,” he said.

About fielding weak Lok Sabha candidates against Congress heavyweights,Mulayam said that even weak candidates become strong when they get an SP ticket.

He,however,did not comment on fielding SP candidates in Rae Bareli and Amethi,the constituencies of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. “We have defeated the Congress in Rae Bareli and Amethi in Assembly elections.”

Mulayam regretted that the media was not giving proper coverage to the people-friendly decisions of Akhilesh’s government. “No other state is implementing so many beneficial schemes like farmer’s loan waiver,free irrigation,Kanya Vidya Dhan. Still,we read only about development and changes in Gujarat,” he said.

Mulayam,however,was soft towards Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,saying he has done good work. “The condition of roads was very bad in Bihar and Nitish did a good job in constructing them. He has also controlled crime in Patna. But what has been done in Gujarat?” he asked.

On the occasion,former IAS officer Tapendra Prasad joined the SP. Mulayam did not hesitate in reminding Prasad he had helped the BSP during his stint as Etawah’s chief development officer. “Due to his (Prasad’s) internal help,we won with a great difficulty. But he became aware after seeing the corruption in BSP,” Mulayam added.

SP changes Gonda LS nominee

The Samajwadi Party has replaced its candidate Rahul Shukla from Gonda Lok Sabha seat with his mother and MLA Nandita Shukla. The seat is at present held by Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma.