..Holi so there is no justification for raising political slogans: Akhilesh Yadav

Holi is considered to be the colour of festivals and an occasion to bury the hatchet. But the scene was different at Saifai - the home town of the Samajwadi Party’s first family. 

‘Chacha’ Shivpal Yadav and his `bhatijaa’ Akhilesh Yadav exchanged barbs while  addressing a Holi gathering there as the family members and rank and file of the party met there. Honouring the dignity of the occasion, Akhilesh touched the feet of his uncle and sought his blessings but they remained at loggerheads at the political level.

Addressing the gathering, Shivpal, without naming Akhilesh, said, “Where the family is united, people celebrate the festival with traditional fervor and gaiety. Factional fight is a common sight in villages and you should be very careful with the people who are master in the art of driving wedge in the family and the community.’’

``There is no limit to joy and happiness during the festivals in those villages free of tussle and differences among the people. Whenever there is a dispute, it cause huge loss and later starts the process of negotiated settlement. It’s better to settle the dispute than holding long sessions for reconciliation,’’ said Shivpal Yadav.

In a quick riposte, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “There are some people who are incorrigible and come what may they never mend their ways. If they are not willing to reform themselves then they can leave this place.  Even the abysmal tally of 47 seats in Assembly has not opened their eyes. If they continue to behave in the old manner, then the party will further sink.’’

 Akhilesh also objected to the slogans in favour of Shivpal Yadav raised by party workers. ``There is no logic and justification for this kind of slogans beingraised here. It’s not a political meeting. It’s a gathering for celebrating Holi so there is no justification for raising political slogans,’’ said Akhilesh Yadav.

Conveying to party workers that he was the boss of the party and he would decide the destiny of the rank and file< Akhilesh said, ``You are free to raise slogans but before that you should apply your brains. Such slogans have immensely damaged the party. Whatever height I achieved in politics is only due to the blessings of the people. It’s a festival not for raising political slogans.’’

This was the second occasion after Diwali when the Yadav clan again came together to celebrate Holi in Saifai.  Although SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav reached Saifai on Thursday, he had to return to Lucknow after a stomach ache on Friday. Akhilesh’s other uncle Ram Gopal Yadav, however, was not present during the festivities.

The younger generation of the Yadav clan including Badaun MP Dharmendra Yadav, Mainpuri MP Tej Pratap, Etawah Nagar Panchayat Chairman Anshul and Shivpal’s son Aditya Yadav, were also present at celebrations. 

Shivpal arrived at Akhilesh’ residence along with his son Aditya Yadav on Friday morning and spent time together chatting with villagers and other relatives.  Last year, Shivpal had given Saifai Holi a miss and celebrated it with his supporters at his Etawah residence.