First understand issues, then speak: Mulayam to SP workers

“I have repeatedly told party leaders and workers that they should first read and write and thean speak. You must read, write and speak, then only you will be able to do good politics,” he said at a function to mark 70th birthday of his brother Ram Gopal Yadav and release of his book Sansad Me 

Meri Baat.

He said those in politics or those willing to enter politics must read Ram Gopal’s book which raises several issues and enlists suggestions on ways to solve them. “Only criticism is not enough. Along with criticism, you should also talk about suggestions,” he said.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said the country needed a secular and socialist leader today. “We are going to polls... In such a situation people will get a chance to know about the stand of ‘samajwadis’ on various issues through Ram Gopal’s book,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Ram Gopal said, “Netaji (Mulayam) forced me to join politics. I was lecturer in a degree college and never thought I will come to politics.” 

“Election for block head was to be held. Netaji came, asked me to file nomination and I was elected. Later, I became chairman of zila panchayat and on July 5, 1992 Netaji sent me to Rajya Sabha,” he said. 

Mulayam’s brother and senior cabinet minister Shivpal Singh Yadav said only samajwadis could fight communal forces.