SP Tussle: Will Akhilesh Yadav Float a New Party or Call a Truce?

Risking ouster from the upcoming polls, Akhilesh could float a new party with a symbol that his faction picks.

The two warring factions of the Samajwadi Party are hoping to retain the cycle symbol ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

With the filing of nomination papers to begin on Tuesday, the EC will pronounce it’s decision on the the fate of the symbol on Monday. This verdict is crucial, as it could seal the fate of SP’s political opponents like that of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Various scenarios crop-up with possible political realignments and alliances.

• If Akhilesh’s camp loses the cycle symbol, he will have to surrender his right to distribute party tickets and make efforts to reconcile with his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.
• Risking ouster from the upcoming elections, Akhilesh could also float a new party with a symbol that his faction would pick. The EC can allot a new symbol immediately, but only if it is available. Reports suggest that Akhilesh has zeroed in on the motorcycle.
• Sources suggest that Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) chief Kamal Murarka had offered the party symbol to Akhilesh, which he may opt for.
• Whatever the outcome, speculations are rife that the Akhilesh Yadav faction is inching towards an alliance with the Congress and Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal. He may also field candidates from the Congress and rely on Independent candidates as well.