The tirade against North Indians unleashed by the MNS has now given a fresh lease of life to the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the city, which was slipping into oblivion.
The SP has now positioned itself as the champions of the North Indians who constitute a considerable section of the electorate.
On Sunday, SP state president Abu Azmi went to the extent of saying he was ready to play ‘khoon ki Holi’ (mass bloodshed) with the MNS.
In the last one decade, the SP’s tally in the civic body had been reduced to eight in 2007 from 21 in 1997. In the state assembly of the total 288 seats, the SP has no legislator though it won three seats in 1999.
Little wonder, SP leaders have seized the opportunity, say political analysts. This would help party to consolidate its base among North Indians — the second largest community after Maharashtrians in Mumbai and would also help the party’s image in Uttar Pradesh.
Denying any political motive, SP leader Mohseen Haider said the party has always stood for the weaker sections of the society. “Unlike other secular parties, we always advocate the cause of the oppressed,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Denying any political motive, SP leader Mohseen Haider said the party has always stood for the weaker sections of the society. “Unlike other secular parties, we always advocate the cause of the oppressed,” he said.
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