Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Kamal Akhtar, who served as the party’s Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, resigned from his post on Tuesday, triggering discussions within political circles over internal organisational dynamics. The resignation comes amid reports of differences involving Moradabad MP Ruchi Veera, although Akhtar has strongly denied any personal or political rift.

According to party sources, tensions had reportedly emerged between Akhtar, who represents the Kanth Assembly constituency in Moradabad, and MP Ruchi Veera over coordination and regional party activities. These differences had prompted the party leadership to intervene earlier and call both leaders to Lucknow for discussions aimed at resolving the matter.

Akhtar, however, maintained that his resignation was not linked to any dispute. He stated that the decision was taken on the instructions of SP national president Akhilesh Yadav, adding that organisational changes are a routine part of the party’s functioning. He rejected claims of dissatisfaction, saying he remains committed to working under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav.

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“I have submitted my resignation on the instructions of the national president. Organisational and positional changes are routine. I have no differences with anyone,” Akhtar said, attempting to dismiss speculation surrounding internal friction. His clarification came as political observers continued to interpret the move as part of broader restructuring within the party.

The development has nonetheless revived discussions within SP ranks, especially as the leadership had previously attempted to mediate between Akhtar and Veera during a meeting in Lucknow. The meeting was attended by senior party figures, including Rajya Sabha MP Javed Ali and other regional leaders, and was believed at the time to have eased tensions.

Kamal Akhtar had been appointed as the SP’s Chief Whip in the Assembly on July 28, 2024, after replacing Manoj Kumar Pandey, who had switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party following a Rajya Sabha voting controversy. His resignation now adds a new layer of political speculation regarding organisational adjustments within the Samajwadi Party ahead of upcoming political developments in Uttar Pradesh.

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