Supporting UPA government to keep BJP away: Mulayam Singh Yadav

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has put on record his party's intention of continued support to the UPA government, on a day when the Trinamool Congress formally withdrew its support to it. "Our support is clear. We will not let communal forces come to power. That is why I am supporting. I am not in the UPA. But we are supporting so that communal forces do not make any progress," he said.

Yadav's announcement a day after his party led a protest by Left parties, the Telegu Desam and Janata Dal (S), against allowing FDI in multi brand retail in the country and the hike in diesel prices, was heartening for the government.

According to a SP leader, a mid-term poll right now could end up promoting Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. It is this apprehension which has prevented SP from withdrawing support to the government. "With the large Muslim vote bank to protect, Mulayam Singh Yadav cannot be seen as having facilitated the ambitions of Modi," said the leader. Congress hinted at these consequences during a phone call to the SP chief on the day Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee announced withdrawal of support.

The Trinamool's withdrawal of support, UPA's strength is down to 254, 19 short of a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. However, with the support of SP, BSP and smaller groups, the government can count on the support of 300 plus MPs. BSP is set to formally decide on continuing its support at its meeting next month. BJP president Nitin Gadkari had announced on Thursday that his party would not be seeking a confidence vote from the government, and Trinamool too has not asked for one.