BSP rebels in fix, Ajit holds key to Mulayam govt

The 40 former BSP MLAs in Uttar Pradesh, under HC’s scrutiny for switching to Samajwadi Party, are caught in a strange equation with the RLD. If they are disqualified (hearing is on March 10), CM Mulayam Singh Yadav will be at the mercy of 14 RLD MLAs for his government’s survival.

In such an eventuality, the fortunes of former Union minister Ajit Singh and his RLD will be on an upswing in the state and Centre. If the court disqualifies the MLAs, the House strength will fall from 403 to 367 MLAs — the SP’s strength will go down from 195 to 155 while the halfway mark is 184. Yadav is already supported by Congress from the outside, besides the crucial 14 Independents (out of 16).

The last few months have witnessed pitched speculation of a Cabinet post at the Centre for Ajit Singh, in return for opting out of Yadav’s government, and bringing it down. Not surprisingly, the state government has kept Singh in good humour. As of now, RLD has two Cabinet Ministers, three MoS (one with independent charge) and a member of the legislative council. Besides, MP Anuradha Chowdhury continues to enjoy Cabinet-rank status in the Assembly.