Akhilesh Yadav said he's open to an alliance, but the final decision will be taken by Mulayam Singh Yadav
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said today that he is "not aware" of any attempt at forming a coalition with other parties ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, a final decision on which would be taken by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.
"National president will decide what is to be done. He will take decision after giving due thoughts. I am not aware if coalition has started or not. I also don't know what is being discussed. If a coalition is formed, political parties have to decide themselves who will lose or gain," he told reporters after starting his "Vikas Se Vijay Ki Ore" rath yatra.
Congress election strategist Prashant Kishore had recently met Mulayam Singh Yadav in New Delhi, triggering speculation of a "maha-gathbandhan" or grand alliance.
"We are open to alliance with any party to form a secular government in the state but a final decision will be taken by 'netaji' (Mulayam)," Akhilesh Yadav said.
Samajwadi Party's silver jubilee celebration on November 5 is likely to be attended by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, RLD chief Ajit Singh and some others.
Pointing out the presence of Mulayam Singh Yadav and state party president Shivpal Yadav at the yatra flag-off, Akhilesh Yadav said, "Though (minister) Azam Khan and (expelled SP leader) Ramgopal Yadav, were not present today, their blessings are with me."
On differences in the party, the chief minister said, "As the yatra will continue, all differences will sink and all samajwadis will come togehter."
"I am not angry with anyone and I think no one is angry with me either," Akhilesh said when asked about his strained relations with uncle Shivpal Yadav.
The Chief Minister's wife, who was present with him in the 'rath', said Akhilesh Yadav, who was labelled as a "trainee", has done tremendous work in the state.
"If a 'trainee' CM could initiate a number of development projects, people should think what he could do when he becomes CM for the second time," she said, adding the support of youths for the yatra is "overwhelming".