After a brief spell of silence, it did not take long for Samajwadi Party general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh to take potshots at the Congress, and party president Sonia Gandhi, at the Centre as well as in Uttar Pradesh where both parties extend support to each other’s governments. Singh has accused the Congress ‘‘of its lack of courtesy and form’’ to parties which support it.Says Singh, ‘‘The SP has 40 MPs and we support the UPA Government from outside. Naturally, we would like to play a more positive role. But so far, the Congress has shown no courtesy in consulting us on any issue, whether price rise or petro hike. There is no communication from the Congress-led UPA government so far, nobody calls us or keeps us informed.’’Singh, however, does not spell out what kind of role his party would like to play. Says the SP leader, ‘‘It is upto the Congress to define how to take coalition partners into confidence. How they do it is their business but there could be a committee or individual to keep all allies in the picture.’’He denies he is building bridges with the Congress saying, ‘‘We are not warming up to each other at all. There is no fight, and the status quo remains. However, I would like to say that our state government invites all party workers to meetings at the district level, including the Congress and BSP. Unfortunately, the UPA chairperson, who also hails from UP, not only does not consult us on major economic issues, but also gives step-mothely treatment to the state.’’Singh says the Congress should shed its ‘‘arrogance’’ and accept that ‘‘regional parties are here to stay.’’ Explains Singh, ‘‘It is a fact the national parties are shrinking and regional players are growing in power and influence. The Congress must accept this reality and treat regional parties with more respect. We cannot continue to be ignored and neglected. For instance, in Maharashtra, though the Congress fought more seats, it won less than Sharad Pawar’s NCP, which contested fewer seats.’’Singh said even though his party would not join the UPA Government, even if relations improved with the Congress, he would also not oppose the coalition Government as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ‘‘has not given any personal cause for us to take a hardline stand.’’ Says Singh, ‘‘It was because of the Congress’ arrogance to not accept our support that we decided not to chase them with a begging bowl. But consulting us is our due.’’
