Mulayam turns frenemy, attacks government again

Agra: He has served in the past as the governmment's go-to guy, chipping in to rescue the UPA during crucial votes in parliament.

But Mulayam Singh Yadav is turning into a frenemy for the Congress. After attacking the government for the crackdown on Baba Ramdev's camp over the weekend, he continued his assault today. "The corruption is from the government side and those around it in Delhi," the president of the Samajwadi Party said in Agra in a speech to his workers.

He also blamed the government for not being able to control food prices. "This is my open allegation that the government's intention is to promote loot and plundering."

The government is being battered by a series of scandals that have exposed corruption among its ranks.  Yesterday, the Prime Minister said, "The government is serious and we are concerned about corruption and blackmoney. There is no doubt. But there is no magic wand."

Mr Yadav says that the explanation is not good enough. "The Prime Minister and his senior ministers had said they have no magic wand, which is very disappointing. If you can't stop price rise, then why you are promoting it," he said.