Lucknow, June 30 (IANS) Samajwadi Party’s (SP) Chief Whip in the UP Assembly, Kamal Akhtar, on Tuesday resigned from the post.

The development is being linked to reported differences between Akhtar, who represents the Kanth Assembly seat in Moradabad, and Moradabad MP Ruchi Veera in recent days.

However, Akhtar denied any rift and asserted that his decision was taken on the directions of SP President Akhilesh Yadav.

Following his resignation, discussions have intensified within the party regarding possible organisational changes and emerging political equations. Akhtar, however, dismissed any suggestion of dissatisfaction or controversy.

“I have submitted my resignation on the instructions of national president Akhilesh Yadav. Organisational and positional changes are a routine process within the party. I have no differences with anyone. I am a small worker of the Samajwadi Party and will continue to work with full commitment under Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership,” he said.

Akhtar’s statement comes amid ongoing speculation over differences between him and MP Ruchi Veera in Moradabad’s political circles. According to party sources, disagreements had emerged between the two leaders over organisational coordination and regional activities, prompting the SP leadership to call both of them to Lucknow for a meeting.

It is learnt that Akhilesh Yadav heard both sides during the meeting and attempted to resolve the dispute. The meeting was also attended by Rajya Sabha member Javed Ali, former MLA Yusuf Ansari, district President Jaivir Singh Yadav, and MP representative Khushnood Ali.

Though the issue was believed to have been settled after the meeting, Akhtar’s resignation has once again triggered tongues wagging.

Notably, Akhtar was appointed as the SP’s Chief Whip in the Assembly on July 28, 2024, replacing MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey. Pandey had vacated the post after voting against the party line during the Rajya Sabha elections, and had subsequently crossed over to the BJP.

–IANS

skp/vd