Akhilesh to take call on alliance with Cong, but hope it happens: Ramgopal

Lucknow: Brimming with confidence ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls after the Election Commission on Monday allocated to the Akhilesh Yadav camp the Samajwadi Party's 'cycle' symbol, Ramgopal Yadav, who is the close aide of the Chief Minister hinted a pre-poll alliance with the Congress.

"We are fully prepared for the elections. It has been mentioned before by Akhilesh himself, I haven't spoken to the national president but I hope it happens," Ramgopal told ANI when asked about a possible alliance with the Congress.

In a major boost, the faction led Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party was allotted the 'bicycle' symbol on Monday.

"The Commission hereby announces that the group led by Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use its name and its reserved symbol 'Bicycle' for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968," the order read.

Earlier, Ramgopal submitted a dossier containing signed affidavits of support for the Akhilesh faction from party delegates, MPs, MLAs and MLCs to the Election Commission. The Akhilesh camp urged the poll body to decide on the matter at the earliest.

Nominations for the first phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh start in few days, but the Samajwadi Party is yet to finalise candidates.

Elections will be held in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh starting February 11, and nominations for the first phase begin on January 17. Votes will be counted on March 11.