Sharad extolls George at JD(U)s national plenary

Karpoorinagar (Patna), Apr 12 (UNI) Newly elected JD(U) president Sharad Yadav today extolled predecessor George Fernandes by recalling his tireless efforts for the party's growth.

Speaking at the Janata Dal(United)s national plenary session, Mr. Yadav, who defeated Mr. Fernandes in the election to the top post yesterday, said all party leaders and workers would continue to hold him in high respect.

''Mr. Fernandes could not attend the partys national council meeting yesterday due to some reason,'' Mr. Yadav hastened to add in his bid to pre-empt chances of any more speculation on his alleged strained relation with the former defence minister.

The JD(U) president also recalled Mr. Fernandess efforts in securing his release from Jabalpur jail in the pre Emergency phase.

Mr. Yadav appreciated Bihar Chief Minister and senior party leader Nitish Kumar for installing the JD(U) in power by accommodating the feelings of all party leaders and workers.

''The success story of Bihar should be replicated in the entire country,'' he said adding lots of scope was left for strengthening the party in Jharkhand and East Uttar Pradesh.

He also deplored 'erosion' of political values in the country and asked party leaders and workers to keep the JD(U) away from such vices.

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