Sacked UP Minister Shivpal Singh says senior leaders conspiring to weaken the party

LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party will contest the Uttar Pradesh elections under the leadership of its leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, sacked cabinet minister Shivpal Singh Yadav announced today.

Shivpal Yadav made the announcement after meeting Mulayam Singh, shortly after being thrown out of the government by his estranged nephew and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

In an obvious attack on party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, who has thrown his weight behind Akhilesh Yadav, Shivpal Yadav said: "Some senior leaders of the party have connived with the BJP under CBI pressure to destabilize the party."

The Samajwadi Party appeared headed for a split ahead of assembly polls due early next year.