Mulayam tells men: Polls are near

He said only life-term members would be considered for poll tickets or party posts and only after paying the necessary fee. ‘‘Party tickets and office posts will be given to permanent members or subscribers to the party bulletins,’’ Yadav said.

He said, he suspected elections could follow immediately after Gujarat polls. He criticised the break-up of People’s Front over the presidential candidate but added that he had kept his options regarding an electoral alliance open.

Citing UP as an example where alliances should not take place, he said, that Gujarat was, however, a situation where such alliances may not be a bad idea.

Accusing BJP of stoking communal fires, he said, ‘‘BJP is planning country-wide gaurav yatras after Gujarat polls. The party hopes to sweep the country with the communal frenzy they can evoke if they win in Gujarat.’’

He felt the only way SP can face a challenge either in Gujarat or across the country, would be by rejuvinating its cadres.

‘‘There would be no jhola-chaap members seeking tickets or hoping to be office-bearers. Every members has to pay the membership fee of Rs 10,000 and then become entitled for various appointments,’’ he said.

Highlighting the main difference between SP and other parties like Congress and BSP, he said, other parties don’t seek donations from candidates before giving them tickets. ‘‘I have always found that people in districts and towns work hard to collect donations for the party. Whereas MPs and MLAs have to be cajoled into doing it.

They should understand that this a party that does not put a price tag on its tickets. So at least they should appreciate the practical reasons behind asking for a meagre membership fee and pay up,’’ he said. His announcements made their impact: The members present paid up.

Yadav’s leaving enough room open for manouvering poll alliances has tongues wagging. Party members felt that this is a sign of the inherent compulsions of SP that cannot go alone in elections across the country.