Alliance of SP-BSP-RLD is aimed at saving democracy: Akhilesh

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, on the occasion of Holi, said that the alliance of SP-BSP-RLD is aimed at saving the democracy and expressed hope that a new government will be in place.

"With the elections falling in between the festivities, I hope that the public will get a new government with new colours," said Yadav while wishing the nation on the festival of colours.

In response to a question on Mayawati's decision not to contest in the upcoming polls, Yadav said, "It is an internal decision of the Bahujan Samaj Party. They have also said that Mayawati will utilise this time to help other candidates in the alliance to win the election. This is a good decision."

On the alliance between SP, BSP and RLD, Akhilesh added, "This is an alliance of ideas and views and hence, an alliance for the general public. It is the alliance to save the democracy, it is to take the country forward."

This statement comes after BSP supermo Mayawati announced that she will not contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Mayawati on Wednesday told ANI that her priority is to help the SP-BSP-RLD alliance to win each and every seat it is contesting rather than her winning the polls.

She, however, also added that she can easily make her way to Lok Sabha post elections, if needed, by asking one of her MPs to vacate a seat for her.

SP, BSP and RLD are contesting Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP will contest on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three. The alliance has left two seats, Rae Bareli and Amethi, for the Congress.

Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held from April 11 and will go on till May 19 in seven phases. The polls in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.