The Samajwadi Party, whose role could be crucial in a trial of strength in the Lok Sabha in case the Left parties withdraw support to the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre, kept its cards close to the chest on its stand, saying on Monday that a meeting of the United National Progressive Alliance will be convened soon to discuss the nuclear deal issue.
"We are in touch with leaders of UNPA allies and a date will be fixed soon according to the convenience of all including SP general secretary Amar Singh who is currently on a foreign tour," SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav told media-persons in Lucknow.
Asked about some Left leaders saying that the SP cannot go along with the ruling UPA at the Centre over the nuclear deal issue as it would go against its Muslim vote bank, Mulayam said he "would not go by what others are saying and would consult his UNPA partners on the issue".
Mulayam, however, was categorical that he has never had any differences with the Left parties in the past and would not have any in future as well. With 39 members in Parliament, the SP's stand on the nuclear deal issue assumes significance especially in the event of Bahujan Samaj Party -- with 17 MPs -- withdrawing support to the UPA government, which is at present facing a tight situation following the stern view adopted by the Left parties on the issue.
There have also been reports of both the SP and the Congress softening their stance towards each other in the recent past with indications being they could enter into some kind of understanding for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, especially to check the BSP's rise.
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