Raking up temple issue will not pay: Mulayam

Ratlam, MP, Dec 26 (UNI) Claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party's attempt to rake up the Ram temple issue would not pay electoral dividends, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today said that the Samajwadi Party (SP) would return to power after the coming assembly poll.

''The BJP is left sans any issue and that is why it is forced to sing the temple and Hindutva tunes again,'' he told mediapersons this afternoon at the local airstrip. Mr Yadav was here en route to Bamnia for attending a death anniversary programme in memory of renowned socialist leader Mama Baleshwar Dayal.

Pointing out that the masses desired development, he added that employment was larger in the public gaze than the shrine.

''The SP's present electoral alliance will continue,'' the chief minister assured.

Responding to a question he said that the future of a third front depended on political circumstances.

''The Centre is constantly meting out stepmotherly treatment to my state. The former has raised several hurdles in the path of setting up of a power project in Ghaziabad. If that project gets started, then not only Uttar Pradesh but also several other states will benefit,'' Mr Yadav claimed.

Reacting to Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad's statement about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being made active in Uttar Pradesh, Mr Yadav quipped, ''everyone knows the level of seriousness with which Mr Prasad speaks.'' UNI XC-AC 1809