Lok Sabha election: BSP-SP announce alliance UP; say "Modi, Shah set to have sleepless nights"

The two are set to contest on 38 seats each of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party boss Mayawati shook hands on Saturday, officially declaring their alliance in Uttar Pradesh, in the wake of forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country. The two made it official via a press conference, which took place in Lucknow’s Hotel Taj. The two also declared that they have also worked on the seat sharing formula on the same on January 4.  While addressing the media, BSP Chief Mayawati said “After this press conference both PM Modi and Amit Shah will lose their sleep”. She further said “Even earlier our joint alliance had shown excellent results”. “We are going beyond the past incidents like one which took place at Lucknow Guest house and are declaring an alliance for the good of people; in order to help them get rid of an autocratic government” she added. The minority leader further ruled out any chance of incorporating Congress in their alliance stating "Congress has ruled the country for several years after independence and have indulged in a lot of scams like Bofors. Therefore, we are not interested in forming an alliance with Congress." Speaking at the occasion, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav said "It was necessary for BSP and SP to come together to break the arrogance of BJP". From today, "Mayawati ji's disrespect is my disrespect" he said. Both parties, which have had a strained relationship for past 25 years; came together with a joint agenda of defeating Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janta Party in the polls.

LIVE SP- BSP Alliance press conf: Alliance formed to defeat the communal and castiest forces prevalent today, #Mayawati Watch https://t.co/DklVA2kRqn

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) January 12, 2019

The parties have so far left out Congress from their alliance and Rahul Gandhi led party has called it a ‘very dangerous mistake’. The party also said it was ready to fight the parliamentary polls alone in the state. The parties also announced their seat sharing formula, which as per sources had been decided on January 4.  As per the announcement made by Mayawati, of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, BSP is going to get 38 seats; whereas SP will be given 38 seats. Two seats have been left for smaller parties whereas; Rae Bareli and Amethi seats have been left for Congress as a customary practice.

LIVE SP- BSP Alliance press conf: Real aim of the alliance is to restore and fulfill the dream of Kanshiram, #Mayawati Watch https://t.co/DklVA2kRqn pic.twitter.com/LTaVWlAcjB

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) January 12, 2019

The BJP however said that the alliance is of no threat to their party.