SP IN A STATE OF FLUX?

IF EVER there was confusion with a capital “C”, it is in the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadis are tied up in knots over their party’s relationship with the Congress and the BJP. SP president Akhilesh Yadav insists that his friendship with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is “on”, but the Congress in Uttar Pradesh is strongly opposed to continuing the alliance. Congress leaders refuse to defend the scams related to Akhilesh’s government in front of the media, which makes the Samajwadis uncomfortable. Mr Gandhi, meanwhile, is keeping the suspense by maintaining a studied silence on the issue.

While Akhilesh keeps the saffron brigade at arm’s length, his father, Mulayam, and uncle, Shivpal, have no qualms in meeting and socialising with BJP leaders. The duo has even announced their support for the NDA presidential candidate, leaving the Samajwadis even more confused.

“We do not know whether we will remain green (SP) or go saffron (BJP) or opt for tricolour. At the moment, no colour is the best colour,” said a senior SP leader.