Cong, SP cross signals to keep Kalyan out of BJP

Having said earlier that his government won8217;t be affected if Kalyan returned to the BJP, Mulayam said: 8216;8216;Kalyan Singh is with us.8217;8217; Though neither Kalyan nor the Congress leaders disclosed what transpired during the meeting, it has raised eyebrows among the state8217;s leaders. 8216;8216;Virendra has an old association with Kalyan and we went to his residence for a courtesy call,8217;8217; claimed a Congress leader. On his part, the former CM confirmed yesterday8217;s meeting, but refused to divulge information. 8216;8216;I am against political untouchability and the leaders should continue meeting each other despite their differences,8217;8217; he said.

Though the dust on Kalyan8217;s return appears to have settled, Mulayam8217;s mellowing down on the issue and the meeting between Congress leaders and Kalyan has again set the state8217;s political grapevine crackling.

BJP sources said though the party8217;s top brass has decided to take Kalyan back, there are many ifs and buts on his protege and PWD Minister Kusum Rai returning.