SP claims 'big victory' in panchayat polls; says will win 2017 assembly polls

Shivpal Yadav also said that the main rival of the SP would be BJP and not BSP in the 2017 assembly polls

Claiming to have won more than 80% seats in the recently concluded panchayat polls, the Samajwadi Party today said it was a reflection of the people's growing confidence in the party, and expressed confidence that it would again form government after the 2017 assembly polls.

"The Samajwadi Party has won more than 80% seats in the district and kshetra panchayat polls. It proves that people's trust in the party has increased. We can now say with confidence that the party would again form government in 2017 and the fascist forces would be kept at bay," senior SP leader and cabinet minister Shivpal Yadav told reporters here.

Yadav further said that the main rival of the SP would be BJP and not BSP in the 2017 assembly polls.

On victory claims made by BJP, BSP and Congress regarding the panchayat election results, Yadav said, "Everyone is making his claim of victory. In 59 districts, they could not cross the figure of 10 while in 43 other districts, even five candidates of their parties could not win".

Asked about Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen opening its account in Azamgarh by winning a seat in Maksudia, Yadav said, "There is no base of Owaisi in UP. And if needed, we will take them (AIMIM winners) with us".

On being asked regarding departments to be allocated to newly-inducted ministers, Yadav said the matter was for the Chief Minister to decide.

Attacking the Centre, Yadav said it was not giving due share to UP in various schemes, and added that it did nothing for farmers whose crops were affected by hailstorm and rains.

When asked about an increasing number of intellectuals including filmmakers, scientists and writers returning their awards to protest against "growing intolerance", Yadav said, "The fascist forces had vitiated the atmosphere of the state due to which intellectuals were returning their awards.