LUCKNOW (TIP): Samajwadi Party state president and UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav tried to dilute the ongoing war of words between his party and the BSP on May 1 by referring to Mayawati as his ‘bua’ (father’s sister). Addressing a public meeting in Azamgarh, where Akhilesh made an emotional pitch for his father, he said, “I am here as the son of one of the senior-most political leaders of the country and seek your support,” Akhilesh said.

In an obvious reference to the controversy over Mulayam’s statement in which he referred to Mayawati as “Shrimati, Kumari or Behenji”, Akhilesh said, “I have always given full respect to all senior leaders. Because my seniors call someone Behenji, I have always called her my bua,” Akhilesh said. In response to Mulayam’s remark, Maywati had said he must get himself examined. However, other SP leaders launched vitriolic attack on the BSP chief.

Talking to the media after addressing a public meeting in Allahabad, Akhilesh’s uncle and senior minister Shiv Pal said Mayawati needs medical help. “I demand this for her,” Shiv Pal said. Another minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati said, “Humare Neta ko keh rahi hain lekin sach to yeh hai ki Mayawati to khud apna dimaagi ilaaj karwana chahiye” (she is talking about our leader, the fact is that she herself needs medical attention for her mental imbalance).