The Bahujan Samaj Party on Wednesday declared support to the Congress to form government in Madhya Pradesh, where the grand old party emerged two short of the magical figure of 116, requiring additional support of independents and other parties.
The Samajwadi Party, which won one seat in the central Indian state, also decided to support the Congress in MP.
BSP chief Mayawati announced the support, saying it was to prevent the BJP from coming to power. She, however, added that the support to the Congress came despite disagreements with its thinking and policies.
"Our party had fought this election to throw the BJP out of power. But sadly our party could not succeed in this aim. I have also come to know that even now the party (BJP) is engaging in all kinds of ploys (jod-todh) to come to power in Madhya Pradesh..."Ms. Mayawati said.
"...To prevent this (BJP coming to power in MP), despite not agreeing with the thinking and policies of the Congress, BSP has decided to extend support to the Congress to form government in Madhya Pradesh," she said.
In Rajasthan, too, the BSP was willing to support the Congress if required.
"In Rajasthan, if Congress feels the need for our party's support, then even in that state to prevent the BJP from coming up power, support can be extended to the Congress," Ms. Mayawati said.
The BSP secured two seats and five percent vote in Madhya Pradesh, while in Rajasthan it fared even better, winning six.
