Mulayams Overture To Cong Creates A Flutter In Uf

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadavs call to the Congress, to join hands with his party in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, has become a talking point in the ruling United Front. Mulayams party is one of the constituents of the Front and the Congress Party is supporting it from outside.

It is known that a section of Congress, led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, is itching to join the government to provide it stability. Others, like former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, firmly oppose the move. Mulayam Singhs call to the Congress at the state level is being seen in the Front by some as an indication of his support for the Pawar line.

Union civil aviation minister CM Ibrahim, considered Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdas man Friday, yesterday welcomed Mulayams move, saying if all anti-communal forces joined hands it would be a welcome development.

The softness towards the Congress in a section of the Front is not being taken kindly by others, especially by the Left parties and the Telugu Desam Party.

Recently, G K Moopanar, leader of another Front partner Tamil Maanila Congress, had called upon the Congress to join the government to provide stability. But he clarified later that this was his personal view and not the Fronts.

Given the composition of the Congress Working Committee, it appears unlikely that CWC will change its earlier decision