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No ditching existing allies for new ones, says BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary M Venkaiah Naidu, MP, today said the BJP would not ditch its alliance partners for the sake of new parties.

Addressing a media conference in Hyderabad, he said there was no question of admitting any new party into the BJP-led alliance without taking the existing alliance partners into confidence.

Without naming the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or other parties, he said if some political parties wanted to support the BJP-led alliance in the interest of the country, they were free to do so.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham led by J Jayalalitha had forged an alliance and fought the last Lok Sabha elections along with the BJP on the slogan of 'stable government and able leadership'. Though there was some heartburn among a section of the BJP workers following certain pronouncements of the AIADMK leader, there was no need for anybody to feel neglected, Naidu said.

Asked whether the BJP was closing its doors on DMK chief M Karunanidhi, Nadiu said, ''Any party interested in stability is welcome.''

Stating that the BJP was keen on strengthening the alliance, he urged the BJP's allies to adhere to the ''coalition dharma'' and meet frequently to discuss issues with a view to arriving at a consensus. Steps would be taken soon in this regard. Prime minister A B Vajpayee was a firm believer in consensus on all national issues, he added.

Naidu said as and when the Union cabinet was expanded, all parties supporting the BJP-led coalition should join the government to ensure stability and accountability.

He said there was no scope for an alternative government, adding it was ''either the Vajpayee government or back to the voter''.

Stating that the government was stable despite futile attempts by the opposition to destabilise it, he said after failing in their attempts, the opposition was now accusing that there was infighting within the ruling coalition.

He also advocated central intervention in Bihar immediately, as there was "total anarchy" in that state.

Alleging that seven important witnesses in various scams were done to death or had died under mysterious circumstances, he said there was no question of the BJP changing its stand on the use of Article 356. However, he added that the party was against its misuse with ulterior political motives.

UNI

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