UPA breathes easy after Mulayam offers support

New Delhi, Sept 21: With the

government flummoxed by the

's decision to pull out of the government, it now seems that

(SP) is ready to step in and provide some much needed relief for the UPA. The offer of support comes at a time when the Centre will be reduced to a minority after the TMC Minister's submit their resignations today.

With Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav giving out subtle hints on the possibility of forming a Third Front during the protest in New Delhi yesterday, the reservations and rumours were put to rest when he said that he will maintain his external support to the UPA and added, "We need to keep communal forces at bay."

Before the Congress can breathe easy after the SP promised its support, Mulayam stated that he would continue his protest against Centre's decision to allow FDI in retail. SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav has been quoted as saying earlier, "We will remain with the government only to keep communal forces from gaining."

Another senior party leader Mohan Singh also revealed the party's views on Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress's decision to pull out of the UPA and said, "We have always been against FDI in retail and they had withdrawn the decision. Now the PM has again brought it in. We appreciate what Mamata Banerjee has done. She took a strong stance and we have to say that she is one of the ministers in the country who believes in the benefit of the people and the poor. She is very strong. We have to congratulate her."

Not completely ruling out the formation of the Third Front, Mulayam commented, "The third front will win next elections. Who will lead the Third front will be decided later."

With the SP blowing hot and cold at the same time, their allegiance cannot be taken at face value. The Congress has, however, chosen to go after the smaller parties like the BJD and the JD(U) seeking their support. It has also been reported that they might try to appease the YSR Congress and the Left parties to make sure of their votes.

OneIndia News