New Delhi, Mar 21 (IANS): Samajwadi Party MPs Thursday authorised party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav to take a decision on relations with the Congress-led UPA, in the wake of the controversy over union minister Beni Prasad Verma's remarks.

Speaking to reporters after the party's parliamentary meet ended here, Yadav said that he had been authorised to take "appropriate decisions at the appropriate time" by the party MPs.

The Samajwadi Party, with 23 MPs, is crucial for the survival of the Manmohan Singh government after the DMK's exit from the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), dissatisfied with the centre's stand on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

However, the party has been playing hardball with the government and seeking Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma's resignation after he publicly rebuked the Samajwadi Party chief, accusing him of receiving a "commission" for the support to the UPA, and also of having "terrorist links".

The Congress had Wednesday said that the "ego war" between Verma and Yadav was almost over, with the steel minister expressing regret. The SP chief has so far refused to say the issue has been resolved.

While it does not see eye to eye with the Congress on many issues, including the treatment of minorities and Foreign Direct Investment in retail, the SP has ensured that the government has sailed through in the Lok Sabha at crucial times.