ASSEMBLY POLL '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS '98
ARCHIVES

J H Patel rules out early poll in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister J H Patel, who has been facing dissidence within the ruling Janata Dal, today ruled out early elections to the state assembly.

"There is no scope or possibility of an early poll," he told the media after releasing four books to mark the four years of Janata Dal rule in the state.

Despite the dissidence, the ruling Janata Dal could implement the promises made to the people during the elections, he claimed. The bickering in the party had damaged its image, but did not affect the functioning of the government.

Expressing confidence that the Dal would return to power in the state, Patel said it would win without anyone's support. The bickering will not affect the party's prospects in the state, he claimed.

Ridiculing the opposition's charge that the administration had collapsed, he said, "They are trying to create a scare. They are trying to see a ghost where there is none."

Referring to the political developments at the national level, he said there could be no polarisation of parties, but there would definitely be a regrouping. Owing to the unpredictable political situation, different types of groupings are taking place and the era of coalition governments is here to stay, he said.

UNI

Tell us what you think of this report