Akhilesh reassures veterans, reins in youth brigade

LUCKNOW: A day after he was named the youngest chief minister of UP, Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday sent out a reassuring message to SP veterans by 'officially' appointing old loyalist Rajendra Chaudhary as the party's spokesperson. He also sent a strong signal to SP's youth brigade, issuing a showcause notice to Rajeev Rai, a key member of his team, for going overboard while interacting with the media.
This is the first time that SP has issued an official statement for the nomination of its spokesperson. The order, circulated to all party office-bearers, clearly stated "only Chaudhary would be the official spokesperson" and "no one else in the party should make any statement on behalf of the SP". The order firmly established Chaudhary's position as a spokesperson.
The move is perceived as an effort check party leaders who often issue statements creating controversies.
Akhilesh also acted on complaints against Rai by party workers and reporters after consulting a couple of SP seniors and his close aides. There were allegations that Rai's conduct was not in line with party ethics and that it sent out a wrong message.
SP to ban rampant use of party flags
LUCKNOW: Facing criticism for widespread violence and hooliganism attributed to the cadre after the victory, the Samajwadi Party is all set to issue an internal order banning use of party flags on vehicles. The order, to be issued by the party general secretary and MP Ram Gopal Yadav, will also propose a ban on hoardings congratulating Akhilesh Yadav for becoming the chief minister. According to the order, only office-bearers above the district secretaries level apart from MLAs and MPs are entitled to use the party flag on their vehicles. The order says that anyone using the flag without being authorized will have to face relevant penal action.Besides, there were also reports that some tainted individuals had put up hoardings all over the state congratulating Akhilesh, so the party has decided ban all such hoardings.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2012
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