LUCKNOW: SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav 's endorsement of Narendra Modi as PM could potentially give a traction to BJP hopes of a split in Yadav-Muslim votebank and also between son Akhilesh and his embattled uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav in run-up to polls.Speaking to TOI, state BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, said, "Mulayam Singhji bahut varisht aur janadhaar ke neta hain. Woh desh ki paristithiyon ko acchey se samjhtey hain. Unhone jo Modi ke liye kaha, hum unka dhanyawaad dete hain (Mulayam is a very senior leader with a vast political base. He understands the current political situation. His endorsement of PM Modi is welcome and we are grateful." He also said, "Mulayam chahein na chahein Saraswati unke zubaan pe aa gayi. (Goddess Saraswati came on his lips, even if inadvertently).'' Experts said Mulayam may to be under pressure of his brother Shivpal, who has been flexing his muscles after a raging family feud in the Yadav family just before assembly elections. "Mulayam continues to have a janadhaar (political base) among Yadavs and Muslims, despite Akhilesh taking reins of the party. And his statement may be milked by BJP to its benefit," said political expert S K Dwivedi. He, however, said Mulayam is known for making U-turns. "Even the present statement should be taken with a pinch of salt," said Dwivedi.Mulayam's statement on Modi also comes days after Priyanka Gandhi formally took over as party general secretary (east UP), heightening political temperatures in UP. It also comes amid SP and BSP continuing its assault on BJP in the state.

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