Mulayam to resign Mainpuri seat

Addressing a public meeting here, Mulayam sought the people’s answer on whether he should go to Lok Sabha or remain the chief minister. ‘‘Aap faisla kijiye main Lok Sabha mein jaoon ya mukhya mantri rahoon.’’

When the assemblage said ‘‘mukhya mantri,” Mulayam said he respected their sentiments. He said that the issue will be discussed by his party’s parliamentary board, adding that he was hopeful that the people’s verdict would be ratified. Thanking voters, Mulayam assured them he would continue in fact, in all his meetings at Jasrana, Ghiror, Kurawli and Kishni, the issue of getting the people’s approval on his decision pervaded the other aspects. The other issues included SP’s historic victory in the poll and his party’s role in the marginalisation of the BJP in UP.

Later, talking to newsmen, Mulayam denied that his resignation meant that UP’s role in national politics had diminished. Stating that he represented 14.5 crore people, Mulayam said UP will always have a prominent role in the country’s politics.

On his support to the new government, Mulayam said it would be conditional. Mulayam stated as a matter of fact that he was prepared to face all the humiliation for the sake of the people and secularism. He lamented that UP had been ignored by the successive Central government as no economic package for development had been announced.

Mulayam stated that he will demand a special package for employment and education from the Centre. Elaborating, he said, either the Centre create jobs or give unemployment allowance. As regards education, the CM said if there is no package his government will make education free.