Akhilesh Yadav takes control of Lohia Trust from Shivpal Singh Yadav

Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, has taken over the leadership of the Lohia Trust from his uncle, Shivpal Singh Yadav. The decision was made during a meeting where all eight members of the trust expressed their consent. This transition marks a significant shift in the internal power structure of the Samajwadi family, as Akhilesh Yadav now holds leadership roles in the Samajwadi Party, the Lohia Trust, and the Janeshwar Mishra Trust.

Shivpal Singh Yadav had managed the trust for approximately nine years following a 2017 family dispute in which the late Mulayam Singh Yadav reassigned the responsibility. The Lohia Trust is dedicated to promoting socialist ideology and the principles of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.

Political opponents from the ruling government have criticized the move. BJP minister OP Rajbhar suggested the change indicates a lack of trust between Akhilesh and Shivpal Yadav, citing their history of political friction. Additionally, minister Narendra Kashyap remarked that keeping the trust's leadership within the same family does not reflect a democratic process.