With the demand for a broader electoral understanding between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party gaining momentum after the SP pulled off thumping wins in two high-stake Lok Sabha by- elections in Uttar Pradesh with support from the BSP, speculation is rife in Uttarakhand whether the two parties would reach a mutual adjustment for the upcoming local body election slated next month.
When asked on the matter, the State chiefs of both the parties said that though they are ready at the State level, the final call would be taken by the central leadership of the parties.
SP State chief Kuldeep Singh Rawat said on Friday that if the two parties combine it would make things difficult for both BJP and Congress in the state. “We together are strong in several districts of the state, particularly Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Our electoral performances in these two districts were fairly positive in the past. The same might happen if we combine to give the BJP and the Congress a run for their money.
However, the party’s national chief Akhilesh Yadav would take the final decision on whether the party should send overtures to BSP for understanding regarding the upcoming local body polls,” he said.
BSP’s State chief Choudhary Charan Singh said that though they do not need adjustment with SP to do well in the local body polls they would go for it in case the party chief Mayawati wants it. “ SP has not much following left in the state.
However, if we contest elections in the state together things would be better as the people are for it, given the magic it did in the two LS by-elections in neighbouring UP. I on my part would take the matter up with the party president. The rest is for her to decide,” he said.