Akhilesh hints at BSP tie-up; Mayawati demurs

With some of the exit polls predicting a hung Assembly in UP, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday reached out to BSP chief Mayawati, indicating the possibility of the two parties replicating the Bihar model of a 'grand alliance' to keep the BJP out of power as also prevent the Modi government from imposing President's Rule in the state. 

Meanwhile, BSP supremo Mayawati was quoted as saying on CNN-News18 that her party was confident of forming the government on her own.                                

According to sources, West Bengal