Mayawati deals blow to Congress in MP, Rajasthan, rules out alliance

In yet another blow to the Congress, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday ruled out any alliance with the party in the coming Assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, a decision that could also impact the opposition's plan for a grand alliance against the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"The Congress is two steps ahead of the BJP in attempts to finish the BSP politically. In the interest of the BSP movement, it has been decided that the party would not ally with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan at any cost," she told a press conference.