Lucknow: Samajwadi Party MLA Kamal Akhtar has resigned from his position as the party’s chief whip in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The MLA from Kanth in Moradabad district stated that his resignation was in line with directions from party president Akhilesh Yadav, describing the move as a routine organizational change.
Akhtar, who had been appointed chief whip in July 2024 following the resignation of Manoj Pandey, asserted that he remains a dedicated party worker and will continue to follow Yadav’s leadership. The resignation comes amidst reports of friction within the party’s Moradabad unit, particularly between Akhtar and Moradabad MP Ruchi Veera. While Akhtar has downplayed the suggestion of a rift, party insiders indicate that disagreements over organizational coordination and regional activities have been a contributing factor.
Sources suggest that Akhilesh Yadav recently convened a meeting in Lucknow to address the escalating disputes between Akhtar and Veera. The meeting, which also included Rajya Sabha member Javed Ali and former MLA Yusuf Ansari, aimed to resolve the reported discord. Despite attempts at mediation, Akhtar’s subsequent resignation has fueled further speculation about internal party dynamics.
The Samajwadi Party has not yet issued an official statement detailing the specific reasons for Akhtar’s resignation. However, there is buzz within the party that a new chief whip will be appointed soon, potentially from the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) community to ensure broader representation. This move is seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its organizational machinery and outreach among backward classes, Dalits, and minorities in preparation for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Ruchi Veera, the Lok Sabha MP from Moradabad, had reportedly expressed displeasure to Akhilesh Yadav about feeling sidelined during a recent PDA outreach event in Moradabad, where her photograph was allegedly not displayed. This incident is said to have exacerbated the tensions within the Moradabad district unit of the party.
Kamal Akhtar, a former minister in the previous Samajwadi Party government, has been a prominent figure in Moradabad district politics. He won the Kanth Assembly seat in 2022 by a significant margin. His appointment as chief whip in 2024 was seen as a strategic move by Akhilesh Yadav to consolidate loyalty after Manoj Pandey’s rebellion during the Rajya Sabha elections. The current development highlights the ongoing challenges the Samajwadi Party faces in managing internal coordination and balancing power equations within its ranks as it gears up for future electoral contests.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
