'Akhilesh Yadav to be Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister'

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As suspense continues over naming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, sources disclosed to Deccan Chronicle that Akhilesh Yadav, son of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is being credited for scripting the biggest ever victory for the party is likely to be named CM.

There is apparently clamour within the Samajwadi Party to propel him to the post.

It was learnt that even Mulayam Singh Yadav, who had given Akhilesh a 'free hand' to run party affairs, wanted him to head the state.

Akhilesh, who was made president of the Samajwadi Party state unit, was the main architect of the outfit's landslide victory.

The new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is expected to be decided on March 10 when newly-elected legislators of the party meet in the state capital.

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on March 11 or 12. So far, Akhilesh Yadav has been reiterating that ‘Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) will be the chief minister.’

The Parliamentary Board of the Samajwadi Party met here on Wednesday morning with the leaders congratulating Akhilesh Yadav for his efforts to lead the party to a landslide victory.

Though, most in the party leadership sounded favouring the idea of generation next taking over reins, absence of senior leader Mohd. Azam Khan from the board meeting and evading questions regarding his action sparked rumours of a conflict in the party regarding the leadership.

Sources claimed he was upset over reports of Akhilesh being projected as a chief ministerial candidate.

"Till date the party has left all major decision to Mulayam Singh Yadav and there is no reason to rake up an unnecessary controversy at this point," he said.

A member of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha - the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party - meanwhile said that Akhilesh Yadav represented the aspirations of the youth and since he had led the campaign, the youth wanted to see him as chief minister.

On Wednesday evening Mulayam Singh Yadav, accompanied by Akhilesh, called on UP Governor B. L. Joshi and extended ‘Holi’ greetings.