Amar again urges parties to fight ‘Fascist’ BJP, BSP

‘‘I am thankful to Singh for talking of the need for a larger coalition of secular forces and the fact the Congress cannot make it on its own,’’ Amar said. ‘‘I agree with him and party chief Sonia is very kind to invite us in this formation.’’

However, Amar’s statement was laced with scepticism and derision when he said: ‘‘The Congress is president-centric, everyone else is irrelevant, so we are not not going to take it seriously unless Sonia herself makes a statement.’’

He said he has high regard for Singh and his party will not lag behind in taking up the matter raised by him. ‘‘The SP has always taken initiative in its endeavour against communal forces and it is ready to offer support,’’ Amar said.

He underlined the role of the Congress as crucial in any moves for Opposition unity, both in the Assembly polls later this year and general elections next year. On the SP’s strategy for the four states going to polls, MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi, he said it was too early to say anything.

On a possible tie-up with the Congress in these states, he said it would be better if the question was posed to the Congress leadership. In reply to Singh’s remark yesterday that there could be an alliance with the SP in UP, but it was for the party to resolve the situation in Bihar first, where a section of partymen was demanding snapping of ties with RJD, Singh retorted: ‘‘A positive attitude of the Congress would not have allowed BJP-BSP government in UP.’’