Monday, July 4 2005 16:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Strongly projecting Samajwadi Party (SP) as the "third alternative" at the Centre, its President Mulayam Singh Yadav today (July 4, 2005) alleged both Congress and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) are losing their "charm and vote bank" and have joined hands to weaken his party.

"The BJP and Congress have not only lost their charm and vote bank as national parties, but have also joined hands on number of occasions to weaken Samajwadi Party," Yadav said, addressing party's protest rally in Bhopal.

"These efforts were first noticed during polls in Uttar Pradesh when the BJP and Congress together attempted to dislodge us at Mainpuri and Akbarpura, but failed miserably," he claimed.

Similar move was noticed during polls in Shimoga in Karnataka, which incidentally opened doors to the southern belt for the SP, Yadav said.

Asking workers to join hands in making the party a "third alternative," the SP President said, "We have to prepare ourselves to present the alternative to the people."

Later, speaking to newsmen, he said, "I am not talking about third front, but third alternative. The idea was floated by us and I am happy that the communists had endorsed it."

Accusing BJP of practicing politics of "religion and idol" Yadav said, "I don't feel (BJP President) Advani was right in withdrawing his resignation. Instead, he should have maintained his stand about Jinnah and put his words across with force."