Digvijay seeks fair deal, Amar says 15 seats

The Samajwadi-Congress internecine war continues, with the parties taking pot shots at each other almost every day.

On Tuesday, the SP’s man for all seasons Amar Singh categorically said his party was not prepared to leave more than 15 seats for the Congress in UP. He was responding to a statement by AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh on Monday seeking a fair deal in seat-sharing.

“We want a respectful arrangement. We have not gone to them with a begging bowl,” Digvijay had told the media in Lucknow.  

Stung to the quick, Amar made it clear if seat-sharing talks between the parties failed, Digvijay would be to blame.

“If there is any rift, he will be responsible for the severed ties,” the SP leader said, accusing Digvijay of misguiding the Congress high command.

Amar also accused the Congress of being ungrateful to SP for the help it extended at the time of the confidence vote.

“We helped the UPA when it was facing its worst crisis after the Left Front withdrew support to the government. Instead of being thankful, leaders of the party are issuing such statements,” he said.

The Congress chose to keep its powder dry, with Digvijay refusing to be drawn into the war of words. “I will not join issue with Amar Singh,” he said. 

He also lauded the SP’s role in helping the UPA win the trust vote. “SP is a secular party and it has helped us curtail the BJP. We can have friendly fights,” he said.

Later in the evening even Amar appeared to leave the door open for a rapprochement. “The world exists on hope,” he told the media.