LJP to contest Gujarat and HP polls

Patna, Nov 17 (UNI) Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will contest the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections and was talking to the Congress for a possible alliance, LJP president and Union Minister for Steel, Fertilizers and Chemicals Ram Vilas Paswan said here today.

Speaking to newsmen, Mr Paswan said the alliance with the Congress had become necessary to prevent the division of secular votes in both the states.

''All secular parties must unite in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh because it is the only way to prevent the division of secular votes,'' Mr Paswan said, adding that ''this would also ensure the end of NDA regime in both the states going to polls soon''.

He said he had already written letters to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi in this connection.

''But if the alliance does not take place, we will go alone to contest elections in both the states as our base is also strong there,'' Mr Paswan reiterated.

Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's statement on the alleged conspiracy to kidnap Rahul Gandhi, Mr Paswan said it must be taken seriously by the central government.

Asked about his party's proposed ''Sankalp Rally'' here on November 28, Mr Paswan claimed that it would be a ''grand success''.

''The people of Bihar have already experienced the bitter governance of the RJD and NDA regime and would now give us a chance to return to power,'' he pointed out.

UNI