Mulayam does the caste math to spread his clout

SP supremo plans to play bigger role at national level

Nurturing bigger ambitions in the post-2014 Lok Sabha election scenario, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav now wants to spread his party's influence beyond Uttar Pradesh in an apparent attempt to increase the tally of seats.

Mulayam, according to the SP sources here, has been making caste calculations for a foray into  other states, and is eyeing tie-ups with the smaller outfits to reap electoral dividends.

The SP president met office bearers of ‘Yadav Mahasabha’, an apex organisation of the community, on Friday evening and sought their cooperation in taking SP to other states.
The SP chief also hosted a dinner for the Mahasabha leaders.

Although the party leaders as well as the Mahasabha members termed it merely ‘courtesy’, sources said Mulayamsought information about the Lok Sabha seats where SP can put up its candidates in the next general elections.

“The caste equations will be important if the SP wants to field its nominees outside UP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The support of the Yadavs will be crucial,” said an SP leader present at the dinner.

UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam’s younger brother, state PWD minister Shivpal Singh Yadav were also present. Mulayam discussed possible tie-ups with smaller outfits in other states.

“The Yadav community in UP is backing Mulayam. If we can get the community’s support in other states too then the party may be able to bag a few more seats,” said an SP leader.

Mulayam Singh has been saying that the SP needs to expand beyond UP if it has to play a bigger role in politics at the Centre. The SP is not yet a national party.

The SP supremo has made no bones about his desire to play the role of a kingmaker —  or even a king — post 2014.

“We stand a better chance this time. The UPA and NDA will not be able to get majority of seats in 2014 general elections,” he recently told party workers.