As SP seals ties with Rajbhar's SBSP, nine smaller parties back BJP in UP

VARANASI/LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday announced a pre-poll alliance with former BJP ally Om Prakash Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP). The pact was announced at a mahapanchayat held to mark the 19th foundation day of SBSP in Mau, where Akhilesh was guest of honour.
"SBSP had opened its doors for BJP to assume power in UP in 2017 assembly polls. But, time has come for SBSP to shut this door as it is necessary for the protection of the rights of poor, OBC, SC and minorities," said Akhilesh while addressing a gathering called the 'Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha Mahapanchayat'.
In his address, Rajbhar said, "I have joined hands with SP to make Akhilesh the next chief minister of UP. This will ensure free power supply for domestic consumers, free education up to post-graduation, caste-wise census for OBCs, checking inflation, ending woes of farmers, revival of old pensions for government employees and protecting the Constitution and rights of OBC, SC, minorities and the poor."
Meanwhile, BJP on Wednesday received "unflinching" support of at least nine smaller parties with an electoral base amongst most backward castes and Dalit communities in Purvanchal region of UP. Of the nine political outfits, representative of seven parties - Bharatiya Suheldev Janata Party, Shoshit Samaj Party, Bharatiya Manav Samaj Party, Musahar Andolan Manch, Manavhit Party, Prithvi Raj Janshakti Party and Bhartiya Samta Samaj Party - were present at the BJP office. The seven parties are part of a 'Hisseydari Morcha' formed by Ram Dhani Bind. Two other outfits - Apna Dal (Balihar) and Pragatisheel Samaj Party - also announced their support.