Lucknow, January 11: As the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are coming closer, old foes have become friends. The alliance between Bahujan Samaj Party led by Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party is taking final shape in Uttar Pradesh. But Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday made a scathing attack on SP-BSP alliance and said that it is an attempt to save their 'existence.' Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati Hint at SP-BSP Alliance, to Hold Joint Press Conference Tomorrow.

According to news agency ANI, CM Yogi Adityanath, on reports of SP-BSP alliance, said, "It is an attempt to save their own existence and nothing else. The public knows the truth and they will vote accordingly." Akhilesh Yadav-Mayawati Alliance: Very Soon It Will Be in Front of You, Says Samajwadi Chief.

It is expected that BSP supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav will announce their "mahagathbandhan(grand alliance)" at a five-star hotel in Lucknow on Saturday. The mahagathbandhan is expected to include the Nishad Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).

Interesting, mahagathbandhan between the two major parties in UP comes after 24 years. The alleged assault on Mayawati by Samajwadi Party workers in the UP guest house incident of 1995 made them the arch-rivals.

Indian National Congress (INC) reportedly will not be part of the alliance. About two years ago, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Yadav held a press conference in Lucknow's Taj hotel, where they announced their alliance for the 2017 assembly elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2019 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).