Mulayam says will support UPA to keep out communal forces

New Delhi  :  Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav Friday came to the rescue of the ruling UPA coalition, which was reduced to a minority following the withdrawal of support by the Trinamool Congress, saying he would provide support to the central government to “keep communal forces at bay”.

“We will support the UPA to keep the communal party away from the government,” said Yadav, who has emerged as the new saviour of the United Progressive Alliance government which is trying to stitch a majority after Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee stormed out of the government over foreign investment in multi-brand retail.

“If we will not support the Congress, then it is possible that the communal party will come in power. So we are supporting the Congress,” Yadav told supporters here.

However, the relief to the Congress was qualified by SP chief’s bid to resurrect the Third Front and his opposition to the newly-launched reforms.

“It is confirmed that the Third Front will win the next elections. It will be decided later who will lead the Third Front,” he said.

“We are against the recent economic reforms. We are against FDI (foreign direct investment) and opposed it even in the Lok Sabha. It is for the Congress to decide whether they need the midterm election or not. Go and ask them,” Yadav added.

To remain in power, the government needs support of 272 members in the Lok Sabha. After Trinamool Congress’ exit, the ruling coalition is left with 254 MPs. Yadav, whose party has 22 Lok Sabha members, can save the government for now.

File Photo : AFP