New Delhi, Apr 03: The Congress today said it had the ''capacity and determination'' to fight the Lok Sabha elections on its own in Uttar Pradesh. if an ''ideal situation'' of an understanding between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav did not develop. Party spokesman Anand Sharma told newsmen that it was the endeavour of the Congress, whose priority concern was to defeat the BJP and the communal parties represented by it, to bring about a meaningful understanding with secular forces.
Asked if the Congress would withdraw its support to the Mulayam Singh government in the event of the SP refusing to forge an alliance with the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections, Sharma evaded a direct reply, saying that ''when such a decision is taken,we will let you know.''
He said the Congress looked at Uttar Pradesh very seriously and sincerely to bring about some understanding and the initiative, in fact, came from the Congress president Sonia Gandhi herself. In this context, he reminded the SP of the help extended by the Congress in the formation of the government in Uttar Pradesh. Our decision to support the SP in the formation of the government shows we are true to our word and commitment to instal a non-BJP government. Asked how could the Congress campaign against the Samajwadi Party in the Lok Sabha elections while supporting the government led by the SP, Sharma said ''sometimes, decisions are taken when timing is appropriate.''
To a question on how the Congress hoped to fare better without the support of the SP or Bahujan Samaj Party of Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections, he said like any other political party, the main objective of Congress was to get maximum seats. If a situation develops, we will fight against our rivals. However, the BJP is our enemy number. one, ideologically, and our priority is to defeat the BJP. Bureau Report