BJP for President's rule as Mulayam dares Oppn' to dismiss govt

Lucknow, Nov 10 (UNI) Charging the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led ruling dispensation with ''exploiting'' the official machinery to rig the just-concluded Uttar Pradesh urban local bodies election, BJP today demanded imposition of President's rule in the state.

Earlier today, in the state legislative assembly, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav dared the Opposition to provide reasons for the dismissal of his three-year-old government.

A BJP delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition in UP assembly Lalji Tandon, met Governor T V Rajeswar and handed him over a memorandum to this effect.

BJP alleged the state government used the official machinery for rigging and booth capturing. ''The police remained a mute spectator...it was used to benefit SP canbdidates,'' the memorandum alleged.

The BJP also blamed the State Election Commission for siding with the ruling coalition. and alleged the SEC did not take cognizance of their complaints on rigging and unfair practices.

In the state assembly, Mr Yadav blamed BJP and Congress for 'using' the Raj Bhawan and dared them to dismiss his Samajwadi Party-led government.

''We are ready to sacrifice our government but I challenge the BJP-Congress to give be a valid reason for it,'' he said intervening during Question Hour in state assembly.

Mr Yadav minced no words, alleging BJP and Congress had become united against his government and using Raj Bhawan in their endeavour to dismiss SP government ahead of 2007 UP assembly polls.

The leaders of both the parties approached the Governor every now and then levelling false allegations against his government. ''Let them dismiss my government and the people would give them befitting reply,'' the CM fumed.

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