SP won146;t join Govt: Mishra

Mishra8217;s comments hold significance in view of the fact that it was he who had first hinted at the SP8217;s move to close ranks with the Congress 8220;for the sake of pragmatic politics8221;, much before SP leadership announced its support to the Government. On the 33rd anniversary of the Emergency on June 26, Mishra had argued that 8220;socialists of the Emergency8221; have had to take Congress support to keep communal forces at bay. He had even cautioned that they should 8220;not be nervous8221; if 8220;we socialists will have to do so again for the sake of pragmatic politics8230;8221;

Meanwhile, SP sources indicated that the party was engaged in deliberations with the Government regarding formulation of a mechanism to coordinate with the ruling UPA alliance. Sources said the party was now waiting for an invitation from the Congress regarding the same.

Speaking at the function, party general secretary Amar Singh said: 8220;Our party has emerged as the second largest party on the support of which the Government is running. The SP is recognised as a major force. This is very important. The question of joining the Government is not important.8221; On Monday, party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had also said that he would not join the Government.