After the recent success of the 'Mahagathbandhan' of arch rivals RJD and JDU in the Bihar by-polls, Abu Asim Azmi, the Maharashtra chief of Samajwadi Party and MLA, has once again stressed the need for all "secular" parties to come together to defeat the "communal forces" in the assembly polls slated for October.

"The Bihar by-polls results have come at the perfect time. The writing on the wall is clear; all secular parties must collaborate if they want to defeat the "communal forces". I have been underlining this since long," Azmi told dna.

He had proposed alliance with the Congress (for assembly polls) almost a month ago. Congress never responded. Though SP had been supporting the UPA govt at the Centre, the state unit, which currently has just two MLAs (one recently defected to NCP) and no MP in Maharashtra, has never allied with any party. Muslims have been a major vote bank for the Congress, NCP and SP.

For these parties, the assembly polls would be crucial having been drubbed comprehensively in the Lok Sabha elections and the country becoming increasingly polarised.

Moreover, Muslim community in Maharashtra, which has been traditionally supporting Cong-NCP (and SP to some extent) now seems to have a more realistic approach. A section of young Muslims supported BJP in the Lok Sabha elections as it had promised development and jobs.

Meanwhile, the entry of Asaduddin Owaisi-led Majils-e-Ittehadi Muslimeen (MIM) into the poll fray in Maharashtra has left everyone guessing. MIM, which said it would contest 30-40 seats, could play a spoilsport by dividing Muslim-Dalit votes benefiting the saffron alliance.

Asked if Congress was considering SP's alliance proposal, Congress spokesperson Al Nasser Zakaria said: "We don't need an alliance with SP. They have no influence in the state."

He also said SP was seeking alliance as Azmi's own seat, Mankhurd, was at stake. "Azmi stays in Colaba and spends most of his time in Uttar Pradesh. Also, he plays religion-based politics which doesn't strike a chord with most Muslims. People will reject him this time. That's why he is seeking Congress help," said Zakaria.

When told about the Congress' view, Azmi responded: "An alliance would help Congress too. But if they feel that I am keen because of my own interest, then I would not ask for it again."