New Delhi, January 12: Indian National Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that he has tremendous respect for Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party as they have right to do what they want to do. "Congress party has tremendous to offer to the people of Uttar Pradesh. I have respect for the leaders of BSP and SP, they have a right to do what they want to do," Gandhi said in a press conference in Dubai. Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav Announce Seat-Sharing Pact For 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: 'BSP, SP to Contest 38 Seats Each in Uttar Pradesh'.

He further added BSP supremo Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have made a political decision. It's on us on how to strengthen the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh and we will fight with our full capacity. "The Congress is efficiently forming political alliances in other states. I won't be disappointed about Mayawati-Akhilesh alliance as long as the BJP does not come to power," Gandhi said.

During the press conference, Gandhi also talked about relations with Pakistan. "I am all for a peaceful relationship with Pakistan, but, I will absolutely not tolerate violence being carried out on innocent Indians by the Pakistani state," Gandhi Said. SP-BSP Alliance Incomplete Without Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party to Defeat BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Says Shivpal Yadav.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, earlier today announced an alliance between BSP-SP for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Under the pact, the parties confirmed that they will share 34 seats each of 80 in the state, leaving two seats for Congress in Amethi and Raebareli.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 12, 2019 10:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).