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Hegde reviewing ties with JD-U

Special Correspondent in New Delhi

Former Union commerce minister and Lok Shakti leader Ramakrishna Hegde is reviewing his party's planned merger with the Janata Dal (United).

This is following the Karnataka stalwart's exclusion from the council of ministers of the new National Democratic Front regime sworn in yesterday.

Hegde sees the hand of Defence Minister George Fernandes in his being denied a berth in the Cabinet. He has, however, desisted from criticising the prime minister.

Hegde said that even last time he was to be allotted the defence portfolio, but Fernandes had created a hurdle. He revealed that the Lok Shakti will "formally split [from the JD-U] in a week or two".

ALSO SEE:
Ramakrishna Hegde lashes out at Fernandes

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