Akhilesh Yadav pitches again for an SP-Congress alliance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday pitched for a Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance to contest the impending assembly election in the state slated early next year. Pressed by the media on possible alliances, he said, “Though SP is confident of forming a majority government in the state on its own, if an alliance does take place with the Congress, the coalition will end up winning over 300 (of the 403) seats. However, the final decision in this regard will be taken by party’s national president (Mulayam Singh Yadav)."

Last month, Congress poll strategist Prashant Kishor and Akhilesh Yadav had a closed door meeting that had lasted for three hours triggering speculation about the alliance. However, no official statement has been made by either of the parties so far.

Expecting a note-ban backlash against the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress has kept a back channel open for striking a pre-poll alliance or work out an understanding with Samajwadi Party for next year's Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, sources in the party said.

Downplaying infighting over ticket distribution in the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav said, "Nominations are changed till the last moment. We will only field those who can win elections. I will give my suggestions and advice on candidates to the party president."

In a new development in the state, ahead of elections, UP government on Tuesday decided to implement recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission for central government employees.

The new pay scales and recommendations will be implemented from January 1, he said, adding in the days to come these employees would help the Samajwadi Party form the government in the state again.

With inputs from PTI