Recalling Mayawati's earlier poll victories with BJP's support, Union minister Ramdas Athawale has suggested that the BSP chief should join hands with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as tie-up with SP "will not give desired electoral gains".

"Mayawati became Uttar Pradesh chief minister thrice with BJP's support. The BSP cadre knows well that the alliance with the SP will not give desired electoral gains in the Lok Sabha polls. Instead of the SP, Mayawati should again join hands with the BJP," he said on Sunday, insisting that "internal contradictions" with Akhilesh Yadav's party will not let alliance last long.