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Journalism of Courage
The infighting in the Samajwadi Party has started giving sleepless nights to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. Mulayam’s latest worries stem from the serious disgruntlement of former Union minister and senior party MP Beni Prasad Verma over the distribution of tickets for the Assembly elections.
Beni Prasad, a senior Kurmi leader from Kaiserganj constituency near Lucknow, is at loggerheads with Labour Minister Waqar Ahmed Shah over ticket distribution in Bahraich and Brabanki districts, a region of common influence for both leaders.
The election in the region is scheduled to be held during the fourth phase. Adding to the logjam is Beni Prasad’s adamance at keeping Waqar’s nominees away from two particular constituencies in Bahraich.
The tussle between the two has fuelled speculations that Beni Prasad could quit the party to float a new outfit. There are also reports that Beni Prasad, who is at present in New Delhi, is in contact with Janmorcha leader Raj Babbar.
However, sources in the Janmorcha denied any meeting had taken place between the two leaders. What is puzzling the party workers is that Beni Prasad is keeping mum over the speculations.
Mohan Singh, the SP chief whip in Parliament, told The Indian Express: “Beni babu’s displeasure is related with ticket distribution in Bahraich district. This is a personal issue between him and leaders from that district. But, I am confident that he will not be quitting the party and the matter will be resolved by Mulayam Singh.”
However, it will be tough for the SP to antagonise the Kurmi leader, who was once a close lieutenant of Mulayam, as every party is trying to balance its caste equations before the elections in the state.
