Khurana maintains not to join Uma's party

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) A day after being suspended from the primary membership of the BJP for his alleged anti-party activities and statements made against party leaders, former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana today maintained that he would not join expelled party leader Uma Bharti's proposed new party.

Addressing a press meet here, Mr Khurana said his decision to participate in Uma's 'Janadesh Rally' was to fight against demolitions in Delhi.

''I will firmly stand by the people of Delhi even if it means expulsion from the party or sacrificing my life,''Mr Khurana said.

'' My present aim is to protect the people of the capital,''he said.

Mr Khurana was suspended from the primary membership of the party for declaring his intention to join Uma's Janadesh rally tomorrow.

Addressing reporters, he alleged that party president Rajnath Singh was acting under the influence of a ''coterie'' close to senior leader L K Advani.

''I quit as Delhi Chief Minister in 1996 on Advani's advice. And it was Advani again who asked me to resign as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee (on Defence) well before I was due to take oath as Rajasthan Governor in 2004. He (Advani) wanted me to be out of Delhi,'' Mr Khurana said.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Industries Minister Harsharan Singh Balli, who was present at the news conference, reiterated his resolve to join the Janadesh Rally along with Mr Khurana.

''I find myself duty bound to join any platform that works for the welfare for people of Delhi no matter what the consequences,''Mr Balli said.

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