Decision on joining UPA will be taken by Mulayam: Akhilesh

Lucknow, Mar 18: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that the decision to join the UPA government at the Centre in the changed political scenario would be taken by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"Any decision to join or not to join the UPA government will be taken by netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav). He is going to Delhi and will decide on the SP stand regarding joining UPA", Akhilesh told reporters at Rajbhawan after oath ceremony.

He was asked to comment on the reported statement of Congress leader Digvijay Singh that SP could join the UPA government.

"The relation of SP with Congress will be decided by Mulayam. SP had given support to Congress-led UP but did not join the government earlier", Akhilesh added. Senior SP leader and cabinet minister Azam Khan when asked on the issue, said, a party like SP does not take any political decision on statements issued in media.

"We have not taken any cognisance of it (Digvijay's statement)".

"Whether SP will join UPA or not will be a big decision and statements issued on this by Congress in media was not a good practice", he said.

"Congress should stop issuance of irresponsible statements in media on the issue", he added.

Asked about the party's response if Congress President Sonia Gandhi invites SP for joining UPA, Khan said that the decision could not be taken at media's behest.

PTI