CPI aligns with SP in Uttar Pradesh

In what could be a sign of future alignments, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has decided to support Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in the by-elections for the Balliya Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh.

A B Bardhan, general secretary of the CPI, told Business Standard: "We evaluated the situation and found that if we support SP, there is a chance for us winning the seat against other forces."

The Ballia Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the death of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar. His son Pankaj is the candidate from the seat.

Although the CPI(M) has had good relations with Mulayam Singh Yadav, the CPI distanced itself after its prominent leader in Uttar Pradesh, Mitrasen Yadav, broke away from the party to join the SP. Now, as Yadav has finally found his place in the BSP, both the SP and the CPI have found it pragmatic to join hands again. According to a CPI press release: "Bardhan has directed the CPI's UP state council to extend full support to the SP candidate."