Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Sunday delivered a much-needed succour to the Congress by asserting that there is no threat to the UPA government despite the DMK having decided to walk out of the alliance. Though the SP leadership maintained that the Congress has not yet established contact, the party leaders are already deliberating the pros and cons of joining the UPA government just a year ahead of the crucial UP Assembly elections.
In a much needed “balm” to the Congress, Mr Yadav on Sunday said, “The SP had and will continue to support the UPA government at the Centre”. His assertions were further elaborated by party general secretary Mohan Singh in Delhi when he stated that “his party is not in favour of a snap poll”. The two leaders have amply hinted that the SP would not be found wanting to emerge as saviour to the UPA-II, as it had done earlier on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal.
In a hint that he has been in regular touch with the UPA leadership, Mr Yadav said: “The Prime Minister had a talk with me three days ago but there was no talk of joining the government as we are already supporting the government from outside.” However, the Congress may have to pay a heavy price if the party decides to take the SP on board. This was hinted by sources close to the SP chief who maintained that the party had been at the receiving end electorally after saving the UPA government on the nuclear deal issue. “For the SP, the next year’s UP Assembly elections are the topmost priority. Even hypothetically speaking, if the SP happens to become part of the UPA, the people will ask us all those uncomfortable questions (scams), that the Congress is facing,” stated a key SP functionary.