CM Akhilesh reinstates Shivpal, Prajapati as Cabinet ministers after SP chief enforces truce

Lucknow: Amid high drama in the Yadav family, a likely patch up appeared to be on the cards late on Friday evening, with Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announcing to return his disgruntled uncle Shivpal Yadav's portfolios and reinstate Gayatri Prajapati as Cabinet minister.

The announcements were reportedly made as per the compromise formula worked out by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav who asserted that "There can be no division in the party, till I am there."

The signs of patch up came after Mulayam held discussions with brother Shivpal and son Akhilesh.

"Portfolios will be given back to Mr. Shivpal Singh Yadav," the CM tweeted.

Shivpal Yadav was stripped of his key ministries only two days back, triggering an all-out war in which Akhilesh was removed as the party's state unit chief.

In another tweet, the CM said, "Gayatri Prajapati will be inducted in the cabinet."

According to party insiders, Prajapati, who was sacked as Mines Minister, could be accommodated in the Cabinet but with a different portfolio.

Setting in motion the reconciliation process, Mulayam as well as Akhilesh earlier rejected Shivpal's resignation from the Cabinet as well as the head of state party unit, to which he was appointed two days ago replacing Akhilesh.

Shivpal had resigned last night as a minister and as state party unit head.

"Netaji (Mulayam) has heard all of us. He will talk to to some others if he wants and will take decision by tomorrow," Shivpal said today, indicating a truce was on the anvil.

Akhilesh said at a function that he has rejected the resignation of Shivpal and he will comply with whatever his father directs.

"Netaji (Mulayam) will find a solution (to the current crisis) and everyone will accept it," he said.

Shivpal said he continues as UP party chief and is preparing for electoral challenge ahead but was evasive whether he will go back to the government.

"That (resignation from party post) has not been accepted. When I have said that for me, Netaji's hint is an order...Akhilesh has also said so. So where is the feud anymore," he said.

At the same time, he indicated that he may not return to the government. "Look, I have resigned only recently. I have got a bigger responsibility. Elections are near and I have to work for the polls. Who is bothered about portfolios? I had only one portfolio, so I said why only one. I will work for the party."