Modi has a secret admirer in Mulayam

After stating that he wishes to see Narendra Modi back as prime minister, the SP veteran explains: "Bass yun hi kah diya [I said it just like that]."

The Congress had dropped the ‘Priyanka Gandhi’ bombshell. On Wednesday, it was Mulayam Singh Yadav’s turn to ‘stun’ the Opposition.

He did so in his nondescript and mild manner by stating that he wishes to see Narendra Modi back as prime minister, a sentiment which the latter acknowledged with folded hands.

Mulayam’s exact words, which will rankle for some time, were: "Meri kaamna hai ki pradhaanmantri ji aap phirse pradhaanmantri banein. Mera anubhav hai ki main jab bhi aap se mila, aapne turant mera kaam kiya.’’

The "blessings" had the opposition members squirming in their seats, more so since these have come on the heels of his son Akhilesh Yadav ganging up with arch rival Mayawati against common enemy BJP.

Incidentally, even as Mulayam was causing a flutter, Sonia Gandhi was sitting adjacent to him. If she was taken aback, she did not show it. She even managed to smile, amused at the pronouncement.

In the House, the ruling alliance members cheered Yadav with chants of "Jai Shri Ram," even as other Opposition leaders were trying to fathom the import of his remarks.

Interestingly, the remarks came just when the entire Opposition was showcasing its strength at Jantar Mantar.

Mulayam's own party member, however, begged to differ. SP leader Ravidas Mehrotra told ANI: I don't know why he said that. But we want a change of government at the Centre. And we are sure Modi will lose from his constituency.

When asked about the baffling comment, Mulayam's brother Ram Gopal Yadav looked equally baffled.

Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav told India Today TV: "Mulayam ji is not our priority. Modi has already been exposed. Koi kapdey utarna baaki nahin raha abb..."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, too, demurred. At a press briefing, he said, "I don't agree with him. But I respect his opinion."

PM Modi, on his part, paid back in kind. Smiling benignly at Mulayam Singh, he acknowledged the senior leader’s praise in his valedictory address. "There is much to do. And Mulayam Singhji has given his blessings. I am very grateful to him," Modi said.

When contacted, other SP leaders in UP too feigned ignorance or said they were too junior to comment. There was no official word till late evening from his son and SP president Akhilesh Yadav.

Finally, it was left to Mulayam Singh to unravel and explain his cryptic remark. Nudged by a journalist, Mulayam said, "Bass yun hi kah diya [I said it just like that]."