Government's new coalition partner

NEW DELHI: The regional Samajwadi Party now holds the balance of power in politics after the withdrawal of the communist parties from supporting the government in protest against a civilian nuclear deal with the United States. Here are some facts about the Samajwadi party: After its formation in 1992, the party tried unsuccessfully for years to gain national status by contesting parliamentary elections. It has wooed film stars and counted a famous "bandit queen" among its lawmakers. The SP relies on votes from Yadavs and Muslims. SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav is seen as a pragmatic and pro-capitalist politician. He may be easier for the Congress-led government to deal with and push for economic reforms than the government's previous allies -- the communist parties. Yadav is a former wrestler and defence minister who critics... [read full story]