"Mulayam Singh's gameplan was to become the prime minister by hook or crook or in the event he does not achieve his gameplan, then demand mid-term polls. I think the stand taken by Mulayam was against the interest of the country, which is not in a position to face fresh elections," Rizvi pointed out.

Launching a frontal attack on the former defence minister, Rizvi said on earlier occasions when BJP formed the government, it was Mulayam Singh who came out openly in support of the Congress and had stated that his party will extend unconditional support to Congress, if it was forming the government.

However, now for obvious political reasons, he has backed out at the last moment. Even on the issue of Muslims, Mulayam has made a sudden volteface. During the 1996 elections, he had publicly declaredthat if he becomes a minister, he will ensure that all the cases registered under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act will be withdrawn. "He had assured a delegation from Mumbai that all the cases will be withdrawn. However, after he became the defence minister, he did not take any steps in that direction," Rizvi pointed out.