'SP to abstain from Presidential polls voting'

Faizabad, July 7: In a significant political development, the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party today announced it would abstain from voting in the coming Presidential election.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Yadav, however, said the final decision of the Third Front, now rechristened as United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), on the issue would become public in a couple of days.

The SP supremo was here to attend a marriage ceremony.

He said UNPA had nominated President A P J Abdul Kalam for a second term, since the internationally renowned scientist deserved it.

''Dr Kalam's term as the President has been successful,'' Mr Yadav noted.

Commenting on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential nominee Pratibha Patil, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said she was surrounded with controversies.

Asked on the drubbing SP received in the recent UP assembly poll, Mr Yadav maintained that his party was not demoralised.

On the Barabanki farm land controversy related to megastar Amitabh Bachchan, he declined any comment saying the matter was sub-judice.

He further alleged that his party leaders were being targetted under the present Mayawati regime in the state.

''However, we will fight it out, wherever such atrocities are being committed,'' he added.

UNI

Related Stories