Is fear of CBI delaying formation of 'maha gathbandhan', asks Shivpal Yadav

The Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), a newly floated political outfit, Tuesday suggested that opposition parties were delaying the formation of a "maha gathbandhan" due to the fear of the CBI.

"Why are they delaying the formation of the maha gathbandhan. Who do they fear? Are they afraid of the CBI," the party's founder, Shivpal Yadav, posed at a press conference here.

His remarks came a day after Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu announced in Kolkata, following a meeting with Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, that a planned conclave of opposition parties for November 22 has been postponed.

Responding to a question, he ruled out the possibility of tying up with the BJP, either in the Lok Sabha or assembly elections.

"I had earlier said that they (non-BJP parties) should call me, talk to me. We want 50 per cent of the seats. To remove the BJP from power, we are with them (anti-BJP forces) and will remain with them, but we want 50 per cent seats. Include us," he said.

While Uttar Pradesh has 80 Lok Sabha seats, the strength of the state Assembly is 403.

The PSPL founder said, "The party which we have formed has permission of 'Netaji' (Mulayam Singh Yadav). And, let me tell you, we have been blessed by Netaji and will continue to be blessed by him. I have been with Netaji since childhood and hence I know him more than you (media)."