RLD hints of going with Cong in UP polls

Lucknow, Nov 17 (UNI) Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), a major ally of the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, today hinted of joining hands with Congress in next year's assembly polls in the state.

RLD supremo Ajit Singh said his party has no truck either with the BJP or BSP, but was considering to go with the SP or Congress.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Singh said it is now for the party workers to decide with whom to ally or whether to contest the polls alone.

Asked if RLD will go with the Congress, he said inferences could be drawn, but nothing can be said and added, ''we can go with the Congress''.

He also ruled out withdrawal of support from the SP government saying there is no meaning for it when the government itself has urged elections in the next two months.

However, criticising the UP government for its failure to control the law and order situation in the state, Mr Singh alleged mafias are running a parallel government and it will be a major issue in the assembly polls.

''Political criminalisation in UP has increased in the present dispensation, while police image has taken a beating,'' he added.

''It is unfortunate that the state government has done nothing to control the 'law and order' situation in UP,'' Mr Singh said.

He demanded farmers be given renumeration for their land, if it is being acquired by private entrepreneurs. ''In the era of globalisation, farmers should have a right to their land.

Later, Mr Singh held a meeting with party workers to discuss the political preparedness for the 2007 assembly polls.

Meanwhile, reacting to RLD's view of allying with the Congress in the UP polls, Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tiwari said although the matter would be decided by the party high command, but first RLD has to snap ties with the ruling SP.

''RLD is welcome to join our alliance, but they have to prove their credentials by leaving the government in UP as soon as possible,'' he added.

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