UP polls: Congress leader Sheila Dikshit welcomes EC verdict on SP symbol

New Delhi: Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on Monday congratulated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on the Election Commission allotting the 'Bicycle' symbol to his faction of the Samajwadi Party amid indication that talks were on between the two parties for an alliance for the upcoming polls.

"I congratulate Akhilesh Yadav on getting the party symbol. It is good that the Election Commission has taken a decision on the issue," she said.

Asked about Congress' possible alliance with Akhilesh-led Samajwadi Party, she refused to give a direct reply but indicated that talks were underway between the two sides.

"I will not say anything at this point. The party will take a call on the issue. Let's see what happens. It will not be proper to say anything till something happens," Dikshit, Congress' chief ministerial face in Uttar Pradesh, told PTI.

Sources said talks for a possible alliance between Congress and the faction-led by Akhilesh were on as both sides were keen for it.

Earlier this month, Dikshit had said in case of an alliance, Akhilesh was likely to be the face of the campaign and that she would like to step aside.

In a major boost to Akhilesh, the EC recognised the faction headed by him as the SP and alloted the reserved symbol 'Bicycle' to it for contesting the coming Assembly elections.