Cong warms to BSP, CM in cold

The UP coalition has been uncomfortable from the start, with the recent speculation of the Chief Minister cosying to the BJP only adding to the Congress woes even as it continues to extend outside support to the state government.

While the SP has indicated it is prepared to go it alone in the elections, Congress’ moving out would dent the party’s secular credentials, it is felt in political circles.

The Congress-BSP alliance, with the coming together of the Muslim-Dalit votebanks, could prove formidable for the SP even though it enjoys the support of Yadav votes. On the other hand, after its association with the BJP, the BSP is seeking to re-establish its secular credentials by tying up with the Congress.

On the party’s tilt towards the BSP, Congress leaders reason that the SP is seeking to play a major role after the elections, unlike the BSP which is ready for an open pre-poll alliance.

About his plans for Lok Sabha 2004, Mulayam Singh said today: ‘‘I have decided to contest on issues and take support based on issues,’’ while stressing at the same time that there are ‘‘no differences with the Congress in UP’’.

Mulayam ruled out joining any secular front as, he added, such fronts ‘‘only benefit the BJP.’’

‘‘Earlier, there were differences on the issue of seat-sharing among front partners which had helped the BJP…’’ he said.

On why Sonia’s recent efforts at breaking the ice with various parties did not include him, Mulayam said: ‘‘I came to know that she (Sonia) phoned me a few days back to talk to me but I was away. Later, my office tried to connect me to her, but was told that she herself would ring back.’’

He also offered: ‘‘If I had her permission, I would have gone to meet her.’’

The Congress already has a long list reasons for pulling out of the UP alliance. Just over a month back, the Congress general-secretary incharge of UP had protested that the UP coalition lacks even a common minimum programme as promised by Mulayam.

Another flashpoint has been the UP government’s affidavit over the Babri Masjid demolition issue which the Congress has been alleging is ‘‘inadequate’’ as it makes no mention of the complicity of senior BJP leaders in the case.

More recently, the Congress has been peeved at the speculations that one of the other coalition partners, Kalyan Singh, may rejoin the BJP.