New Delhi:
The surprise announcement about the expulsion of Uttar Pradesh chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav from the Samajwadi Party sent shockwaves acorss the political arena of the country.
The ongoing feud between the two factions of UP's most influential family came to the fore on Friday when party SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav expelled both the leaders for six years ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
Leaders of various political parties expressed their concern about the development.
Here is a look at who said what on the ongoing power tussle within the Samajwadi Party:
UP governor Ram Naik: Developments in Samajwadi Party intra-party issue, I am keeping a watch.
Ram Gopal Verma: I am still the general secretary of the Samajwadi Party and party meet called by me on Sunday will take place in any eventuality. It's unconstitutional to expel someone without listening to them just hours after issuing show-cause notice.
Congress leader RS Surjewala: There is situation of political instability in UP. It's worrisome for democracy. We don't comment on internal division of any party.
BJP leader Shrikant Sharma: UP people had already waved Akhilesh off, his expulsion doesn't have much impact. In family-centered parties, if the family breaks up, the party also falls apart.
JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav: It is unfortunate. However it is their internal matter.
(With inputs from agencies)
