By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net
In the run up to 2017 assembly polls three parties announced their alliance in Lucknow. The parties—Rashtriya Lok Dal, Janata Dal (U) and BSSS (Bahujan Swabhiman Sangharsh Samiti) headed by former BSP minister R K Choudhary targeted Mulayam for straying away from the path of Dr Lohia.
Ajit Singh, who was had lately been trying for an alliance with Samajwadi Party, minced no words in claiming that Mulayam has left the path of Lohia and Choudhary Charan Singh. Sharad Yadav of JD (U) also agreed to his allegations.
Both these leaders recently attended the 25th silver jubilee celebrations of SP in Lucknow and appealed from the stage to Mulayam for taking over the reins of proposed alliance.
Mulayam, who was busy sorting out political squabble of his family, however, finally turned it down few days later claiming that there will be no alliance and those who wish can merge their parties with his SP.
Hurt by the cold shoulder response, Ajit Singh remarked: “When before Bihar polls there was talk for merger of all socialist parties, Mulayam did not agree. Now when there were talks of alliance in UP, he again pulled out. What is the reason that Mulayam does not want to see the anti communal forces and followers of Lohia and Choudhary Charan Singh on one platform ?”
Ajit Singh in a veiled attack claimed that everyone knows what are the limitations of Mulayam for not going for an alliance and he does not want things to come out from his mouth.
“Now the time is not left for merger. We tried for alliance of all followers of Lohia and Choudhary Charan Singh but it did not materialize. We are ready for merger but where is the time. Now these three parties will contest polls as alliance partners. Talks are going on with few other smaller parties,” Sharad Yadav said.
Ajit Singh however claimed that so far no talks have been held with Congress over alliance.
In the upcoming UP polls, parties are now scrambling for alliance. The BJP has already tied up with Apna Dal and Bhartiya Samaj Party. Smaller parties with their pockets of influence are getting their due. SP has already finalized merger with Mukhtar Ansari’s Qaumi Ekta Dal.
On the other hand Peace Party of Dr Ayub has tied up with Mahaan Dal. Congress too is in talks with several smaller groups while its poll strategist Prashant Kishore had held meeting with Mulayam, Shivpal and Akhilesh adding speculation to a possible tie up which was nipped in the bud by Mulayam.
Smaller outfits like Rashtriya Ulema Council too are busy reviving the Ettehad Front.