The recent announcement of BSP-SP alliance in Uttar Pradesh for upcoming Lok Sabha Polls 2019 is making new possibilities in the state that sends 80 parliamentarians to the Lok Sabha and might result into new equations in the state. Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday tied up with Apna Dal (Krishna Patel). Congress on Sunday dropped hints of joining hands with all ‘like-minded’ parties. Shivpal Singh Yadav, estranged leader of Samajwadi Party, who has launched his own party last year reacted to the Congress comment and he is ready to take up the offer if Congress wants.
After being ignored by the SP-BSP, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said as quoted by PTI, ‘I have tremendous respect for the leaders of the BSP and Samajwadi Party and recognize that they have the right to do what they want. It’s on us to strengthen the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, and we will fight to our full capacity.’
Later, the Indian National Congress on Sunday announced that the party is ready to go on its own. Senior Leader and Congress UP in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad had on Sunday said, “The Congress will contest on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, and defeat the BJP.”
Azad further added the party is ready to take all secular forces of the state into its fold.
Shivpal Singh Yadav, once a minister in Akhilesh Yadav Cabinet in Uttar Pradesh reacting on the Congress comment. Pragatisheel Samajawadi Party – Lohia (PSP-L) Chief Shivpal Singh Yadav said, We have not had discussions, but all the secular parties – Congress is also there – if the Congress contacts us, talks to us, then I am totally ready.”
Shivpal Yadav had in December also expressed his willingness to tie-up with Rahul Gandhi-led Congress to defeat the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections slated to be held in April-May 2019.
Shivpal Yadav, despite differences with Akhilesh Yadav, had got his father Mulayam Singh Yadav to attend his rally last year.