New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has recognised Akhilesh Yadav faction a ‘real’ Samajwadi Party, allotting it the party symbol of ‘Cycle’. Akhilesh faction is entangled in a bitter dispute with his father Mulayam Singh’s faction over the reins of the party, its name and election symbol.

“The group led by Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol Bicycle,” news agency PTI quoted the Election Commission as saying in its order today evening.

Senior leader and Akhilesh’s ‘mentor’ Ramgopal Yadav welcomed the decision thanking the central poll panel.

Earlier, both the factions had a final arguments last week on Friday post which the Election Commission had reserved its verdict.

Akhilesh Yadav faction had even submitted a list of more than 220 legislators in its fold to back the claims of being a “real” Samajwadi Party and hence, the rightful owner of its election symbols.