SP thinks over ties with Cong

In the aftermath of yesterday’s electoral shock for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) too, like many of its ‘secular’ allies, is assessing its partnership with the national party. The SP-Congress alliance has had a turbulent run since the two parties joined hands three months ago to oust former UP chief minister Mayawati.

The just-concluded Assembly elections also saw name-calling (of the secular/communal variety), sniping and a complete breakdown of any electoral alliance or understanding in the four states which went to polls. SP workers believe the ‘‘experiment has failed’’ and it is not a ‘‘mutually beneficial but a one-sided partnership’’ with the Congress. And yet, it is the SP which has to face insults about its clout vis-a-vis the bigger party, the Congress.

Party general secretary Amar Singh accepts there is a downward trend in the relationship with the Congress but is confident it will be revived someday. ‘‘After the Shimla declaration, the Congress said it was open to alliances. But the way Congress leaders attack us, we can only conclude either the statement was not sincere or Soniaji has no control over her satraps.’’

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Singh believes the SP has done its bit to keep the alliance going.

And as a parting shot, Singh retorted: ‘‘Both Congress and CPM should remember it was the BSP and Mayawati who campaigned for Narendra Modi in Gujarat.’’