Coalition 'dharma' causing discontent among SP workers: UP Minister

Varanasi, Sep 3 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Revenue Minister Ambika Chaudhary today admitted the efforts by the ruling Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh to keep its allies in good humour have resulted in ''slight discontent'' among the party workers.

''Owing to political compulsions, our leadership has taken certain decisions, especially in accomodation of allies in the government, which have caused slight discontent among the party workers,'' Mr Chaudhary told mediapersons here.

The senior SP leader, however, added the discontent has been removed by the top leadership and in no way will resurface again.

''The party workers believe in the political acumen of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and would work for the party with full vigour forever,'' he said.

About the recent utterances by RLD Chief Ajit Singh, where the Jat leader had expressed ''displeasure'' over the functioning of the Mulayam Singh government, Mr Chaudhary said the ''boat'' of the ruling coalition is sailing smoothly and the next elections will be contested by the SP in alliance with the present allies.'' The UP Minister also said a political colour should not be given to the resignation of State Irrigation Minister Merajuddin.

The RLD member had quit the cabinet as he had failed to get elected to the state legislature within six months of becoming a minister.

''He resigned due to constitutional compulsions and not out of political reasons,'' Mr Chaudhary added.

The RLD President Ajit Singh had yesterday slammed the Mulayam Singh Yadav government on various issues, but maintained his party was still very much a part of the ruling coalition.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow, Mr Singh had refused to disclose the substance of his conversation with the Governor.

However, to a poser, he had slammed the UP government on the land acquisition policy. ''What is the need to acquire cultivable land from farmers for Special Economic Zones and Power Projects, when plenty of barren land is lying vacant near Delhi,'' he said.

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