New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) : Making the split in the Samajwadi Party official, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday allowed the party's Akhilesh Yadav-led faction to use the symbol of ‘cycle’ for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.

The EC also declared that the group led by UP CM Akhilesh Yadav is the legitimate Samajwadi Party.

SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav earlier on Monday hit out at his son Akhilesh Yadav, stating that he would fight against the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister if he does not listen to him.

“I called Akhilesh 3 times, but he met me for just a minute and left even before I could begin speaking,” Mulayam said.

Playing the religion card, Mulayam also claimed that Akhilesh does not have a single Muslim name in his list of candidates for the UP elections. He said he was worried his son was being seen as a "Muslim baiter."

Speaking to party workers, Mulayam said he was trying his best to save the party.

The SP supremo also said that he was trying to ensure that the ‘cycle’ symbol of the party stays with his faction, but that he would accept whatever decision the Election Commission (EC) takes in this regard.

Akhilesh and Mulayam camps had both expressed confidence that the EC would rule in their favour. However, the Lok Dal, a party from UP, has offered Mulayam Singh Yadav usage of their own party symbol if he loses his case at the EC.

On Monday, the SP supremo also slammed his cousin and Akhilesh confidante Ramgopal Yadav, claiming that he had ‘destroyed’ the Samajwadi Party.