New Delhi, Oct 01: In what is sure to add to the worries of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav's proposed expansion of his ministerial council, his key ally Rashtriya Lok Dal today demanded that smaller parties in the state's ruling coalition be given "adequate" representation in the ministry. RLD chief Ajit Singh told reporters here that not only smaller parties be given "due share" in the ministry but political expedience be catered to determine the size of the government in order to stem discontent among MLAs. "Political expediency should be an important factor in determining the size of the state government," he said.
On his differences with Yadav on several issues, Singh admitted there had been ego problems between them in the past but this would not be allowed to resurface this time around. Asked about the longevity of Yadav government in view of perceived conflict of interests among the coalition partners, Singh said the allies have drawn lessons from the previous Mayawati-led alliance by not trying to foist the agenda of the major party on others.
The SP-led coalition government would complete its term if the parties in power stuck to the common agenda, the RLD president added. Bureau Report