BSP backs out for Cong’s sake

In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress’ increasing proximity to the BSP became evident today when the latter decided not to contest the state council elections. According to sources in the BSP, the party has not fielded a single candidate for the elections to be held across the state on December 1.

Senior leaders clarify the party stand that ‘‘the BSP would support any party that can defeat both the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.’’

The SP, on the other hand, has left seats for coalition partners Kalyan Singh and Ajit Singh. However, the party would be directly contesting against the Congress in most places.

According to senior Congress leaders, the SP has already prepared the ground for elections by re-nominating 2,500 posts to the local bodies after taking over in the state. Earlier, these posts were nominated by the BJP.