Ramgopal Yadav tells Azam Khan to resign before sulking

Ramgopal’s surprise position came even as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the state government was blinded by a lack of correct information from Muzaffarnagar. “If we were aware of the situation,such a thing would never have happened,” Akhilesh told the party forum.

SP Minister Azam Khan blames local administration,Akhilesh govt

Khan has publicly criticised his own government and the local administration in Muzaffarnagar for the violence and stayed away from the national executive meeting that began Wednesday without giving any reason. His office has said he is unwell and Ramgopal had on Wednesday said his absence was not a serious issue.

However,Ramgopal did a turn around Thursday and came down strongly on Khan. “No one can enhance his stature through such activity. There is no impact on the party,” Ramgopal said. “If one does not want to hold a post in the party,then he should resign. Otherwise he should have come. All main leaders of the party were present during the meeting and no one noticed his absence.”

Although SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav sought to convey that Khan could never get upset with him,party sources said he had consented to Ramgopal attacking Khan,who has also been staying away from cabinet meetings and official events.

“Azam can never get angry with me. He was upset due to a tragic incident and we will settle it,” Mulayam said referring to Muzaffarnagar. “We have learnt our lesson from the riots. We will punish the lax officials. We never indulge in politics of religion. It is not a matter of politics.”

“Strong action will be taken against the culprits. Justice was not delivered in Gujarat but it will be done in UP,” Mulayam later told reporters.

Mulayam and Ramgopal seemed to get some support from other party leaders at the national executive meeting. Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Aggrawal said no one could rise above the party. “Not much importance should be given to a particular person. Minorities vote for Mulayam and no one should have any misconception,” Aggrawal said.

Medical,health and family welfare minister Ahmed Hasan defended Mulayam during the discussion on Muzaffarnagar. “Everybody knows that Mulayam is a real well-wisher of Muslims. It cannot be said that Muslims are angry with Mulayam,” Hasan said. “Not only Mulayam but his whole family has done a lot for Muslims. You must be aware of his sacrifices for Muslims and all the good work done.”

While Mulayam asked partymen to raise funds for the victims of the Muzaffarnagar riots,Akhilesh said he would soon visit the troubled district. “Today the BJP and BSP are looking for any chance to instigate violence. Trivial incidents like a cycle collision are escalated into riots,” the chief minister said.