First came the CPI(M)'s unilateral support to the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Though the CPI(M) had shunned Mulayam Singh Yadav and entered into seat-adjustments with the Congress in several states, the fact that it had chosen to do business with him again surprised many. The Congress, however, remained silent.

With the SP having put up a large number of candidates in UP with the sole purpose of defeating the Cong and the Rashtriya Lok Dal of Ajit Singh, the CPI(M)'s support to Mulayam Singh should have naturally invited instant reaction. However, Cong spokesperson Kapil Sibal would not comment initially. ``Let the results come. We will sit and talk,'' was all that he would say on insistence.

CPI(M)sources say support to the SP was based on the situation on the ground. The Cong has been unable to make serious inroads into the BJP's upper caste vote bank, they say.