Paswan appeals Cong to join Janmorcha alliance in UP

Lucknow Nov 16 (UNI) Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) supremo and Union minister Ramvilas Paswan today called upon the Congress to join the Janmorcha alliance led by former Prime minister V P Singh to form a viable alternative ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

''Only a viable alternative of non-BJP, BSP and SP parties can form the next government in UP in which Congress should be a major partner,'' Mr Paswan said.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Paswan said his party has joined the Janmorcha alliance for the coming assembly polls and want the Congress to be a part of the alliance.

''I have talked to Mr V P Singh and Ms Sonia Gandhi about my views and now it was up to them to decide,'' he said.

Announcing that LJP would contest the UP assembly polls in a big way, he said the number of seats the party would contest would depend on the adjustments carried out in the alliance.

Criticising BSP president Ms Mayawati for misusing Dalits for her political gains, the LJP chief said now BSP has lost its popularity in UP and in its place LJP has taken their place.

''BSP leaders are leaving the party and several of them have already joined the LJP,'' he said adding that Ms Mayawati's only aim is to generate money and selling her vote bank.

Mr Paswan also said that due to the eroding popularity, BSP did not contest the civic poll in the state.

The LJP leader also refused to demand President's rule in the state at this juncture though he admitted that the situation in UP under Mulayam Singh Yadav was not good. ''When the elections are nearing, why should we demand such things to divert the attention of the people'', he questioned.

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