NCP proposes 'grand alliance' in UP to counter BSP-BJP factor

Lucknow, June 5 (UNI) Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today proposed a broad secular alliance in Uttar Pradesh to ''thwart attempts by the BJP and BSP to gain power in the coming assembly elections.'' NCP also called on the ruling Samjwadi Party and Congress to pitch in to ensure that ''secular vote is not divided.'' NCP UP unit president Ramesh Dikshit said here since the assembly polls were due next year, his party welcomed the formation of Jan Morcha and People's Democratic Front as they represented ''positive political moves.'' ''With the BSP and BJP working towards a electoral alliance, it is necessary for smaller secular outfits to join hands and declare a Common Minimum Programme (CMP). The alliance should be firmed up before the polls for greater impact,'' he said.

Mr Dikshit claimed he had so far not approached the SP for the proposed alliance, but has asked its leadership to include other parties before taking major decisions.

''Yes, I have spoken with the state Congress leadership...but their problem is they have to follow a variety of channels to convey issues to the high command,'' he said.

He alleged the recent riots in Aligarh and Mau were sponsored by political parties to polarise the vote bank ahead of elections. ''I demand the Election Commission to observe which party benefits after riots and ensure that elections take place peacefully in that area.'' Dr Dikshit said the NCP would not organise the celebrations of its 8th foundation day on June 10 at the national level. ''Instead, we would celebrate the day at state level across the country.'' UNI NAB VS VD RAI1826