Not forming new party as of now: Mulayam

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday ruled out forming any new party "as of now", putting a lid on speculation that he could part ways amid the continuing battle for supremacy in the party. Blowing hot and cold, the Samajwadi patriarch said his blessings were with his son Akhilesh Yadav though he did not agree with the decisions made by him.

"I am not forming any new party as of now," Mulayam said at a crowded press conference here, responding to a volley of questions from mediapersons as to whether he was partying ways with the party he had formed 25 years ago.

Speculation was rife in political circles that the SP patriarch was likely to announce a new outfit at the press conference along with virtually defunct Lok Dal, while retaining the 'samajwadi' tag in its name.

Despite the bitter battle for supremacy in the party, Mulayam said, "My blessings are with him (Akhilesh Yadav) as he is my son, though I don't agree with his decisions."

"Baap bete me kab tak matbhed rah sakta hai, koi nahi keh sakta" (No one can say for sure how long differences will remain between father and son)," he said answering a question. Interestingly, Mulayam's brother and comrade-in-arms Shivpal was not present at the press meet. When asked about his absence, Mulayam said he was away in Etawah-Mainpuri –the Yadav bastion –for some important work.

Both Mulayam and Shivpal have been sidelined by Akhilesh ever since he snatched the crown of SP chief from his father at the party's national convention here on January 1.

Mulayam said his son had promised to leave the post of party president after staying at the helm for three months, but he did not do so.

"People who cannot stand by their words cannot succeed," he said, adding, "jo baap ka na hua wo kiska hoga" (one who cannot side with his father, will be of no one)," he said.