Reflecting the growing bonhomie between the two parties, Congress has decided not to field any candidate against Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, the Samajwadi Party candidate in the Kannauj Lok Sabha by-election.
In a joint statement, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and others alleged that the UPA government has "stuck cruel blows on the people one after another" by raising diesel price, limiting subsidised cooking gas, opening up of multi-brand retail and disinvestment of PSUs.
The Congress on Thursday ruled out mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha. "The government will complete its full term. The elections will be held at the proper time," party spokesman Rashid Alvi told the media in New Delhi.
In surprising comments, Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday said his Samajwadi Party, a key outside supporter of the United Progressive Alliance government, is in the "opposition" and will fulfill its role in that capacity.
Dr Manmohan Singh for President. The Congress cosies up to Mulayam Singh. Jaya Prada tries to cosy up to the BJP. All this, and more, in Dilli Gupshup....