Mulayam keeps UPA guessing on supporting Prez nominee

The Samajwadi Party, whose support would be crucial for the election of the next President, on Monday kept on the suspense over its stand but gave a clear message to the United Progressive Alliance that its support should not be taken for granted.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh said his party will come out with its stand after candidates are officially announced.

"The presidential elections have not been announced yet. There are no candidates. We will decide on whom to support after considering merits and de-merits (of candidates)," he said addressing a press conference in New Delhi after the party's parliamentary board meeting.

To a volley of questions, including whether he would support Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for the top post, he said nobody has contacted him and neither has he contacted anybody on the issue.

"Our party has not taken any decision yet. When the elections are announced, the parliamentary board will meet again to decide on the issue," he said.

Asked whether he would go along with the UPA whoever is the candidate, Yadav said, "We are no less than the UPA. The Samajwadi Party is a separate party. Hum kisi ke peeche nahi hain (we are not behind anyone)."

Yadav, whose party supports the UPA from outside, underlined that the Samajwadi Party was with the Congress-led coalition only to keep "communal forces at bay".