Mulayam Singh Yadav's rivals term his apology to Muslims as a gimmick

Reacting to Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav's apology to Muslims for tying up with those responsible for Babri demolition, his political rivals today termed it as opportunism and a gimmick to gain mileage ahead of the next assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

"Yadav's statement is ludicrous and a political stunt. It's height of political opportunism. Such a person should not be trusted by anyone," BSP president and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati said.

Yadav has had a long history of association with communal forces and Muslim community would never forget it, she said.

State Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi also dubbed Yadav's move as an attempt to woo the Muslim community ahead of 2012 assembly polls.

"The apology of Mulayam will not serve any purpose now as people have understood what he and his party is", Joshi said and added that Yadav was afraid of Congress as it was going to give direct fight to BSP in the coming polls.

State BJP president Surya Pratap Shahi said that Yadav's statement was an attempt to appease Muslims as there was a mad race among SP, BSP and Congress to get their votes.