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'The question of the SP leaving the UF does not arise'

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is an enigma for the United Front leaders.

On the one hand, Yadav reiterates his commitment to the 13-party combine's unity.

On the other hand, he says he does not consider the Congress an ''untouchable'' though the UF does not want to have any truck with the Congress.

Yadav's party colleague Amar Singh, MP, however, gives the impression that the SP will never ditch the UF.

In this exclusive interview to Tara Shankar Sahay, Amar Singh talks about his party's sincerity in cementing the UF's unity. Excerpts:

What kind of game is your party playing? Mulayam Singh keeps saying he is not averse to an electoral understanding with the Congress despite his commitment to UF unity. What is the mystery?

Very simple. I am simply echoing our party's views. The question of the SP leaving the UF does not arise. We are united and we will remain united. Yadav simply said he will not clash with the Congress where it is well-placed to fight the BJP. So there is no confusion.

There is a growing impression in political circles that your party is waiting for the right opportunity to join hands with a perceived Congress-led coalition.

What you say is the media's imagination.

How can the UF be so sure that the SP will not ditch the combine?

I have just spelt out my party's position. I don't think there is any further need for clarifications.

The BSP leadership recently threw a party and invited leaders of various political parties after the BSP was recognised as a national party. Only the SP and the BJP were not invited. Please comment.

(laughs) What is there to comment? Obviously, the BSP leadership is not enamoured of us.

Is there any possibility of a SP-BSP tie-up?

Your question can be answered by our party president. I don't want to say anything.

But if the non-BJP parties -- like the BSP and the SP -- keep fighting each other, don't you think that the BJP stands to gain?

The SP is very sure. It will keep fighting communal forces and strengthen secular forces. I don't know about the others.

What do you think about Communist Party of India leader A B Bardhan’s recent statement that West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu is the only prime ministerial material left in the UF today?

Bardhan is free to express his views.

What do you personally think about the matter?

Jyoti Basu is a respected leader in the UF. But when it comes to the prime ministership, the UF will take a unanimous decision.

So the SP will oppose Basu's candidature for the prime ministership?

I did not say that. I said the UF will take a decision in this regard in a united manner.

EARLIER REPORT:
Mulayam's 'selective' support for Congress

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