SP-CONGRESS: A WIDENING GULF

The rift between two important members of the Opposition INDIA bloc, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), is assuming the proportions of a running feud.

- Prashant Srivastava

On November 5, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav called the Congress a chaalu (cunning) party and repeated the charge of 'betrayal' that he first made during the fracas over seat-sharing for the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. Addressing a rally in the Tikamgarh district of MP, Akhilesh said, "If you are not getting rations, why should you vote for the BJP? Don't vote T for the Congress either; they are a very cunning party." As a fresh spat ensued, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai accused the SP of disturbing the Congress campaign in MP.