Meanwhile, shadow of BSP ruling over House

Speculation of a “possible dissolution” started after the Lucknow Bench finished hearing the case of 40 BSP MLAs, who joined Yadav after quitting the BSP—the bench has reserved its judgement. But if the judgement goes against Yadav, his government may fall.

SP sources said their leader has been on tenterhooks ever since the hearings were over and cite several instances of Yadav’s palpable anxiety. Recently, the UP Speaker gave a “positive” judgement in the case of the first batch of 12 BSP rebels, who had formed a party and later merged with the SP. Sources said this move was to prepare the grounds for an appeal in the Supreme Court in case of an unfavourable judgement.

Ajit Singh confirmed the meeting with Mulayam, but said a possible dissolution was not discussed. ‘‘We discussed many other matters,’’ he said. RLD sources, however, admitted that they will oppose Yadav’s move of dissolving the House and installing himself as caretaker CM. The other scenario—if the judgement goes against him and his government falls —would be President’s Rule.

Speculation of a Congress-RLD tie-up has been rife, too, as part of the Congress plan to pull down the government. The deal: Ajit Singh will join the Union Cabinet, and the two parties would go for a poll pact in the state. RLD sources, however, said the Congress cannot rely on their party for any poll alliance.