M A I N   N E W S

BJP not to join INLD Govt
From Our Correspondent

ROHTAK, Feb 28 — The state BJP has resolved to extend outside support to the Chautala government and decided against joining the ministry. The party has not yet elected leader of its legislature group.

The party has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of pradesh chief, Mr Om Parkash Grover, to inquire into causes of defeat of party candidates in the just concluded Vidhan Sabha elections. The party which contested 29 seats in alliance with the INLD, could win just six seats.

Mr Om Parkash Grover presided over today’s meeting which was attended among others by the newly elected MLAs, defeated candidates of the BJP, including Prof Ram Bilas Sharma, party’s national general secretary, Mr Narinder Modi, Mr Manohar Lal Khattar and MPs except Mr I.D. Swami, Union Minister of State.

The meeting thanked the voters for reposing confidence in the INLD-BJP alliance and assured that it would act as a watchdog of people’s interests. The BJP hoped that the INLD government would fulfil the aspirations of the voters and provide a clean and efficient government.

Many defeated candidates blamed the INLD for their loss at the hustings. While the BJP got its vote bank transferred to the INLD candidates, the ruling party failed to shift its vote bank in BJP candidates’ favour.

The party has asked its district units to suggest whether to contest the ensuing civic body elections on the party symbol or in alliance with the INLD. The final decision in this regard would be taken after getting these reports, Mr Ram Bilas Sharma told newsmen after the meeting.

The former education minister blamed the district administration for his defeat from the Mahendragarh constituency. He alleged that at more than 35 booths, between 90 to 97 per votes were polled by 11 a.m. He brought the matter to the notice of the district administration and the Chief Election Commission but no action was taken on his complaints.