"We will not take support from any 'goonda, badmaash' (hooligan)...," SP spokesperson Shivpal Yadav said when asked about Ansari's proposal for a joint candidate from Varanasi, adding that he has not received any request in this regard.
"We have already fielded Kailash Chaurasia from there... Everyone knows that we are secular... Those who wish to strengthen secular force can support us," Yadav said.
Quami Ekta Dal chief Ansari, who is lodged in jail in the BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai murder case, had earlier proposed to field a joint candidate in Varanasi.
Yadav said his party would won over 60 seats (out of 80) in the state, that there would be a Third Front government at the Centre with SP supremo leading it.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
