Shivpal Yadav's party claims support of Apna Dal faction, announces pact with Peace Party

Shivpal Yadav's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia (PSP-L) Tuesday claimed it has the support of the Apna Dal faction led by Krishna Patel, days after that party announced a tie-up with the Congress.

The PSP-L also announced a pact with Mohamed Ayub-led Peace Party in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls.

The Apna Dal faction, however, has not made clear whom it will support if both the Congress and Shivpal Yadav's party are contesting in the same constituency.

While the PSP-L said it is not averse to an alliance with the Congress as well to fight the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

When contacted, Apna Dal (Krishna Patel) spokesperson R B S Patel parried a direct reply.

"We have a pact for seats with the Congress but we are giving policy-based support to all secular and like-minded parties," he said, without elaborating further.

At a press conference here, Shivpal Yadav, who was flanked by Peace Party leader Mohamed Ayub, said, "We have entered into an alliance with the Peace Party."
Asked if the Apna Dal (Krishna Patel) will support the PSP-L or the Congress candidates contesting from the same seat, PSP-L spokesperson Deepak Mishra said, "I know that they (Apna Dal) have supported our party. We have got a support letter from them."
On whether the PSP-L can enter into an alliance with the Congress, Mishra said, "All possibilities are there. For defeating the BJP, we are ready for everything."
Earlier, Shivpal Yadav said, "The BJP government in the state is the worst ever which cheated farmers, youths, minorities and backwards."