Mulayam's idea of third front a 'mirage': Tewari

Dismissing Mulayam Singh Yadav's idea of a third front as the "most enduring mirage", Union Minister Manish Tewari today said the politics in the country is polarised between secular and communal forces and the SP Chief should decide which side he is on.
He also asked the Left parties to have a "rethink" on their anti-Congress position.
"As far as there is the concern of Mulayam Singhji, we respect all our allies. He (Mulayam) also knows in his mind that the basic polarisation in this country is communal versus secular forces. He will also have to decide which side he is on," Tewari told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

"The talk about the third, fourth or fifth front was the most enduring mirage of Indian politics," he said reacting to a query on Yadav raising the issue of third front against the Congress and the BJP.
Tewari also expressed hope that the Samajwadi Party, which has extended "very constructive support" to the UPA government, will continue that and "the atmosphere of harmony will prevail."
Yadav had said recently that coalition politics has come to stay in the country and asked like-minded parties to come together. Samajwadi Party, with 22 MPs in the Lok Sabha, provides key outside support to UPA Government at the Centre.

Amid talk about the formation of the third front and the Left parties' possible association with it, Tewari said such progressive forces should "rethink" their anti-Congress position.
"I think all progressive forces who do have the fundamental belief that secularism and pluralism is the way forth for the country and they do believe that the idea of India stands on liberal foundation, should need to introspect and need to rethink their position," he said supporting Union Minister Vayalar Ravi who reportedly suggested that the UPA should reach an understanding with the Left parties in the next Lok Sabha polls.