This refers to the editorial, “A crumbling coalition” (September 5). Samajwadi Part leader Mulayam Singh Yadav may have little stake in Bihar, but the hidden message behind his desertion of the Janata parivar is crucial. Mr Yadav was apprehensive of fighting the Bihar election under the umbrella of the Janata parivar, knowing well that the Nitish-lalu duo’s ‘Bihar-centric’ focus would mar the parivar's cause. Moreover, he wouldn't need the Nitish-lalu duo for his cause in Uttar Pradesh.
Mr Yadav has a wider national perspective and image than Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar or lalu Prasad, considering his past record. He also knows well that the Janata parivar leaders have no base outside their home States. A ‘give-and-take’ attitude would help both the BJP and Mr Yadav, when the SP's support to the NDA Government in the Parliament is crucial. The SP supremo would stand to benefit by going soft and slow on the ruling NDA.