Tuesday, February 26, 2002, Chandigarh, India
 Updated at 3:00 am (IST)

President for status quo on Ayodhya
PM convenes all-party meeting today as VHP firm on temple
New Delhi, February 25
The government today asserted it was “duty bound” to maintain the status quo at the disputed site in Ayodhya and take all necessary measures to ensure the preservation of law and order in the town, even as the Prime Minister has convened an all-party meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue.

The President arrives for the Budget session in Parliament.

President outlines strategy on J-K
New Delhi, February 25
Asking Islamabad to take positive action on India’s set of demands as a proof of its sincerity before resumption of a bilateral dialogue, President K.R. Narayanan today said the government was ready to talk to any group of people in Jammu and Kashmir who eschew the path of violence and may have legitimate grievances.
In video (28k, 56k)

Amarinder to wear two hats
To continue as PPCC chief for some time
New Delhi, February 25
In an effort not to disturb the balance in Punjab, the Congress High Command is unlikely to appoint a new PPCC chief immediately to replace Capt Amarinder Singh even after his election as the leader of the legislature party.

Party-wise lists of Punjab winners Capt Amarinder Singh and Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal are all smiles as they greet the newly elected party legislators at Punjab Bhavan in Chandigarh on Monday. — Tribune Photo Manoj Mahajan

BJP to sit in Oppn in UP
SP seeks one month to prove majority
New Delhi, February 25
Speculation over whether or not the BJP would extend support to the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh has been put to the rest for the time being, with the former today deciding to sit in the opposition and “not supporting anyone”.
In video (28k, 56k)

Show numbers, Cong tells SP
New Delhi, February 25
The Congerss today indicated that it was not averse to supporting Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav form a government in UP if the Samajwadi Party seemed getting close to the half-way mark in the state Assembly.
In video (28k, 56k)

• Editorial: UP is the loser

Jaya’s swearing-in on March 2
Chennai, February 25
Ms J. Jayalalithaa will be back at the helm of the Tamil Nadu Government on March 2, when she will be sworn in as Chief Minister along with her new Cabinet.

• Manipur heads for hung House

• Graphic: Poll outcome 2002