Shivpal Yadav factor: Sulking uncle's hulking role in Mainpuri win

AGRA: Following SP candidate Dimple Yadav's victory in the Mainpuri Lok Sabha bypoll, Shivpal Yadav -- the once disgruntled uncle who this time pleaded and begged for votes for his 'bahu' -- promptly announced the merger of his Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) with SP, opening a new political chapter.SP president Akhilesh Yadav presented his party's flag to Shivpal on Thursday afternoon and pinned one even to his uncle's car. A Mulayam Singh Yadav loyalist claimed SP's victory is also partly a result of Shivpal's organisational skills, "something that had been missing in the party after Akhilesh took over". He added: "If Shivpal remains in SP and works in the party, SP can pose a major challenge to BJP in 2024. Shivpal is a rooted leader and knows the organisation like the back of his hand."While sympathy for the now dead party patriarch Mulayam played a significant role in Dimple's win, Shivpal's active part has been the icing on the cake. His assembly seat Jaswantnagar saw robust voting for Dimple as party cadres were energised by the talk and show of unity in SP's first family. Shivpal, 67, is a six-time MLA from Jaswantnagar. After the results, Shivpal tweeted: "Heartfelt gratitude to the respected public, well-wishers, friends and hardworking workers for the blessings, love and immense support from voters of Mainpuri parliamentary constituency. Heartfelt thanks to the residents of Jaswantnagar for their blessings to Dimple Yadav." Asked if the family will remain united, Shivpal said, "As a family, we will stay united and work to fulfil the dreams of Netaji."