Akhilesh skips press conference but Mulayam says 'family stands united'

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday said his family and the party stand united. The press conference jointly held by Mulayam and his brother Shivpal was to signal an end to days of bitter infighting within the family and the party. "Our family is united, the party is united... We stand united with full strength," Mulayam Singh said in his first media conference after Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sacked his uncle Shivpal Yadav from the cabinet. Mulayam Singh said he would leave the decision to reinstate sacked ministers on the Chief Minister. On brother Ramgopal Yadav's statement, Mulayam said, "I do not give him any importance now." About party Chief ministerial candidate for 2017, Malayam said, "Ours is a democratic party. First let us get majority and then elected representatives will select their CM. Presently, Akhilesh is CM, does anyone have any problem?" Akhilesh Yadav, who was likely to attend the press conference, gave it a miss indicating the family feud was still ripe. Highlights from his press conference: 

• Parivar ek hai, party ek hai: Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP chief.

• There are a few people who are conspiring: Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP chief.

• Akhilesh is the CM today. Once we win majority in #UPpolls, CM would be chosen: Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP chief.

• Ramgopal Yadav's statements are irrelevant: Mulayam Singh Yadav, SP chief.

• UP CM to decide on sacked ministers

  (With inputs from news agencies)