Mulayam bails out UPA, but at what cost?

Mulayam Singh Yadav, key to the survival of Dr Manmohan Singh's government, ended days of suspense today by confirming that his external support to the ruling UPA coalition will continue. "We need to keep communal forces at bay," said Mr Yadav, providing the Congress with some relief after the government it leads was reduced to a minority. The Samajwadi Party chief said that while his party is not happy with the Congress - he remains firmly opposed to new retail reforms - keeping the BJP out is a more exigent need. Mr Yadav also referred again to a Third Front, promising that this group will win the next election in 2014. Even in this statement, there is respite for the Congress - he ruled out early elections.