Elaborating on the alliance policy, Mr. Ajit Singh and Dr. Ayub said that they would not join hands with the BJP or Mr. kalian Singh’s Party but this alliance will keep the doors open for Samajwadi Party or Congress for forming a bigger alliance against the BSP. The name of the alliance and the common minimum programme, will be announced shortly, the leaders said.

Both the leaders underlined that their main objective was to get rid of Mayawati Government in the state which was promoting large scale corruption and anti-social activities in the state. They assured that this alliance would ensure a good governance and would look after the interests of poor and the downtrodden. Political observers feel that this alliance could become very effective only with an understanding with one of the bigger parties like the SP or the Congress.

RLD leader Ajit Singh has already shown his impact in western UP in every successive election. Now Ajit Singh is looking opportunity to expand his base in eastern part of the state. So far he was not in commanding position in front of SP or Congress as far as seat adjustment in eastern UP is concerned. But joining hands with Peace Party and Bharatiya Samaj Party enjoying support of Rajbahar backward community, will give bargaining power to him while negotiating for alliance.

Although Peace Party came to lime light in last Lok Sabha polls but it increased its hold in by-elections held during last two years. In Dumariaganj by-election, Peace Party candidate did well and got more votes and later on in Lakhimpur Kheri the candidate of Congress candidate who was son of sitting MP Zara Ali Naqvi was pushed to fourth position and lost deposit while Peace party candidate was placed second. The recent growth of Peace Party and its influence in a section of Muslims in eastern UP, has unnerved ruling BSP, SP and Congress.

After Mayawati Dr Ayub has shown his hold over the Muslims by the manner in which he put up non-Muslim candidate and successfully transferred minority votes. He also adopted the formula being used by BSP which was banking on the support of dalits and members of upper caste.

At a time when Samajwadi Party and Congress were making attempts to win over support of Peace Party to prevent split in Muslim votes, Dr Ayub outsmarted both the parties by joining hands with RLD to increase his bargaining power. (IPA)