SP-BSP stich together a grand alliance with common flag for polls

Once sworn enemies, SP and BSP have not just stitched together a grand alliance ahead of Lok Sabha polls, their flags too have merged into one - united colours of red and blue, with respective party symbols embossed on either side. While red symbolises Akhilesh Yadav's SP, blue stand's for Mayawati's BSP.

The common flag has become a rage among SP and BSP supporters, and this could be unprecedented in the history of gathbandhans (alliances), with both parties even deciding to share party offices and hold joint rallies. "There is hardly any sale of SP flags without a cutout of Mayawati. Everybody now wants both Mayawati and Akhilesh on the common flag. So, we printed samples and this triggered a buzz," said a shopkeeper near Vikramaditya Marg here.

The sample flag is designed in such a way that on half of one side, there is a cutout of Mayawati and BSP symbol 'elephant', while the remaining half is occupied by Akhilesh and SP symbol 'cycle'.


More than 2,000 common flags have been sold and there is a massive demand for similar poll merchandise. A tin flag costs Rs80, while the humble cloth flag is cheaper and is pegged at Rs20. "Flags made from fabric are manufactured in Ahmedabad and Surat, and the order reaches Lucknow in two months. However, tin flags that last longer are made locally," said another shopkeeper.

Cashing in on the popularity of these flags, the parties have also come out with special coffee mugs, with cutouts of both Akhilesh and Mayawati.