BJP rules out alliance with 'pseudo-secular' SP

Citing 'fundamental differences', the Bharatiya Janata Party has ruled out any alliance with the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.

"There are fundamental differences between the BJP and the SP. It was Mulayam Singh Yadav who had got the Ram bhakts fired upon for the first time...Any alliance between SP and BJP is out of question," party spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad told reporters on Thursday.

He was responding to a question on the possibility of any alliance with the SP in the wake of the SP leaders' recent statements indicating that they are open to a tie-up with the BJP if the saffron party gives up certain controversial issues like reconstruction of the Ram temple.

"He (Mulayam) is one of the pioneers among those who have promoted pseudo secularism in this country. It is Mulayam Singh who described Students Islamic Movement of India as a cultural organisation," Prasad said.

He said that earlier the SP's ideology was to oppose the Congress but now they are living under its shadow.

Meanwhile, the SP chief's son and Member of Parliament Akhilesh Yadav parried questions on the issue.

Asked whether the SP is looking for new political friends, he said, "In the existing political situation, every party is finding out ways. Even after the elections, combinations will be formed."