Cycle symbol row: EC to hear both factions today

The Election Commission will hear today both factions of the Samajwadi Party's claim on party symbol 'Cycle'. After family feud, the factions led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had approached the poll body staking claim over the party and the symbol. Both sides had also submitted some documents to further their claim. 

The Commission wants to settle the matter before 17th of this month when the process of nomination begins for the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh. The 'Cycle' symbol faces the threat of being frozen before the Assembly polls, if the Election Commission is not able to decide which of the two factions commands majority in the organisation.

white;"> Reports say, the side which has the support of more than half of the total MPs, MLAs, MLCs and delegates will gain an upper hand in the fight to control the party. 

Earlier, the Akhilesh camp has submitted affidavits signed by SP MPs, MLAs, MLCs and delegates supporting the Chief Minister while the other side has maintained that as per the party's constitution, Mulayam Singh Yadav is still the party chief. 

Earlier this month in a special national convention called by Ramgopal Yadav in Lucknow, Mulayam Singh was removed from the president post appointing Akhilesh in his place.