It's not for nothing that Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is considered a master of flip-flops in politics. He demonstrated his unique ability once again on Monday by speaking out in favour of arch rival BJP, even predicting a win for the BJP in Bihar.

It was as if Mulayam was reciprocating his own praise by PM Narendra Modi at public meetings in UP on a couple of occasions. Mulayam is already fighting off charges that he had formed a 'third front' in Bihar to facilitate the BJP's victory.

"On matters of national interest, we (SP and BJP) have similar views," he said at a function to mark the anniversary of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia. He pointed out that on issues of language, the country's borders and patriotism, he and the BJP held the same position.

"I have been to Bihar, and I can say that the situation is in favour of the BJP," he said, stunning many political watchers, even those among his own party. He did not stop at that, but continued: "We also want a change of government in Bihar." He said: "Government which has been in power for years has done nothing for the development of the state,"

Mulayam had virtually 'ditched' his 'samdhi' Lalu Yadav when he walked out of the 'grand alliance' in Bihar and formed his own front with five other parties. He went on to lambast Lalu and Nitish Kumar at election meetings in Bihar. Mulayam also praised the work being done by the BJP government at the Centre. "We should applaud the good work done by the BJP government. I also criticise them whenever they are in the wrong," he said.

Political watchers say the latest twist in Mulayam's tale could seriously damage the ruling SP's prospects in the 2017 UP Assembly election. "If he is seen standing with the BJP, the Muslims will desert him en masse," said a senior political analyst.