SP will not join UPA-II: Mulayam

He reiterated that the SPs support for the UPA government was to keep fundamentalist forces at bay. My stand is clear we are playing the role of opposition to the UPA government but will continue outside support, he said.

Following the SPs victory in the Assembly polls,there was speculations that the party may join the government at the Centre. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh fuelled the talk with his statement on Saturday that he would have no objection if the SP joined the UPA government. Senior party leaders Motilal Vora and Pawan Kumar Bansal were deputed for Akhilesh Yadavs oath-taking ceremony.

There has been confusion among the party workers also about SP joining UPA. It should be clear in their mind that we are now concentrating on fulfilling our responsibility in the state. There is no question of joining UPA, said Mulayam.

On the Trinamool Congresss tough stand on the Rail Budget,Mulayam said that was an internal matter of the UPA. We are supporting them but do not take responsibility on the life of the government. It is for the PM and Congress to act, he said.

Mulayam also ruled out the possibility of a revival of the third front. It is true that several leaders from other parties came for the oath-taking. Those who could not attend had sent their representative and even called up personally. But a revival of the third front is not on the cards yet, he said.

No crackers,firing

SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday banned use of firecrackers and firing at felicitation ceremonies of ministers. There have been reports that supporters of a minister resorted to firing during the felicitation ceremony8230; strict action will be taken against the minister or anyone who indulges in such acts, Mulayam said.