'SP support to UPA will continue, final decision by Mulayam'

In the backdrop of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam withdrawing support to the United Progressive Alliance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party state president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said his party's support to the UPA would continue, but the final decision on the issue would be taken by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

"It is true that there is an upheaval at the Centre and counting of numbers has started to know whether the government would survive or not," Akhilesh told reporters.

"As far as support to the UPA is concerned, Netaji (Mulayam) will take the decision. Our entire central leadership is in Delhi and a Lok Sabha session is underway. Any decision would be taken in the Lok Sabha and Netaji will finally decide," he said.

Samajwadi Party supports the UPA government at the Centre from outside.

Akhilesh said SP's support to the UPA was continuing and it was meant to keep the communal forces at bay.

"We have extended support so that communal forces do not become dominant in the country. To weaken communal forces is our priority," he said.

On a question on whether the SP was ready for elections, Akhilesh said the party was ready.

"We have won assembly elections and have completed one year in office and we are ready. When the elections come, the party will be in the field through its leaders and organisation," he said.