Formation of grand alliance in UP: Shivpal meets Ajit Singh

New Delhi: President of Uttar Pradesh unit of Samajwadi Party , Shivpal Singh Yadav, met Rashtriya Lok Dal leader, Ajit Singh , here on Friday and discussed with him the party’s proposal to form a grand alliance in the state with like-minded parties to defeat the “communal forces ” in the next assembly election in the state.

This was the second time that the party discussed the issue with the Jat leader who wields considerable influence in the western region. Before him his brother and national party president, Mulayam Singh Yadav, had a telephonic conversation with him.

Also Read: SP to form an alliance with RLD; Ajit Singh to go Rajya Sabha

Shivpal also used the opportunity to invite him to attend the silver jubilee function of the party on November 5 next. Invitation is being also extended to other non-BJP party leaders. The alliance issue can be discussed on that occasion too.

The 71-year-old leader is considered close to him and was instrumental in bringing him around to support party candidates during the recent biennial Vidhan Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections. His support had made significant contribution in these elections in the state.

Also Read: All is well within the Samajwadi Party: Shivpal Singh Yadav

At one stage, before these elections, there was an speculation of the party forming an alliance or merging with the party. During that period there was also speculation of Ajit’s son joining the government. The move, according to party sources, was opposed by anti-Shivpal camp in the party and it was shelved. The current talk may bear fruit.

In addition to the RLD, the SP is in favour of roping in other parties which followed the ideologies of socialist leaders like Charan Singh and Ram Manohar Lohia. Shivpal is likely to meet some of the leaders of these parties, who are here, during his stay in the national capital.