BJP trying to fish in troubled waters in UP: Congress

Congress on Friday termed the internal divide in Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party "worrisome" and accused the BJP of trying to destabilise the state government.

"There is situation of political instability in UP. It's worrisome for democracy. We don't comment on internal division of any party. SP needs to settle this on its own," said party spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"However, shocking news that is emerging is that even as government is destabilised in UP on account of internal warfare, BJP is trying to fish in troubled waters.

"They did the same thing in Uttarakhand, Arunchal Pradesh by destabilising elected governments," he added.

UP headed for a crisis as Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday expelled his son and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav from the party for six years for "indulging in anti-party activities" and said the party would now elect a new Chief Minister in the poll-bound state.

Surjewala also said that the Congress would try to increase its support.

"Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has given a new paradigm that is the paradigm of development, away from the politics of caste and division.

"We shall continue to strive for that, pursue that and win over people's support in UP," he said.

Senior Congress leader from UP Pramod Tiwari said: "It is an internal matter of Samajwadi Party. Things are moving very fast. Congress is closely watching the developments in SP. It is unfortunate that the ruling party is going through this."

Asked if the development will benefit his party, he said: "Congress is moving ahead with the hope of getting full majority. SP are also the contenders. So, defenitly Congress will benefit from this in UP."

--IANS

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