UP polls 2017: Open to 'all possibilities' to prevent BJP, says Akhilesh

"SP-Congress will get enough seats, will form government on its own. But if required let us see," he said.

Replying to a question about whether he was ready for a post-poll alliance with the BSP, Akhilesh said, "I will not yet speak about alliance. Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress will get enough seats to form the government.

"However, as I have always referred to the BSP chief as a relative, it is natural for people to think we might take their help or might go with them.... But it is difficult to say this as of now". Akhilesh, also the Samajwadi Party president, has always referred to Mayawati as 'Buaji' (aunt).

With the counting of votes barely two days away, the SP president's remark is likely to trigger speculation about the possibility of a realignment of political parties.

Throughout the bitter, recrimination-filled campaign, Mayawati never attacked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who had a word of praise for the BSP chief when he said his respect for her was intact. He had said he considered BJP and not BSP dangerous for the country.

When reached for comments, senior Congress leader Sanjay Singh said it was better not to say anything about it "at this stage".