Ajit to intensify 'Harit Pradesh' agitation ahead of UP polls

New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) After parting ways with its ally ruling Samajawadi Party in Uttar Pradesh ahead of Assembly elections in the state, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) led by Ch Ajit Singh is now going to intensify its agitation for a 'Harit Pradesh' comprising western UP districts.

The party today called a meeting of its senior functionaries in which it decided to observe a 'Harit Pradesh Pakhwara', a week-long programme of creating awarness about the issue and holding demonstrations and dharna to highlight it, Ajit Singh told UNI.

The programme will be held from February 6 to 12, he said.

Mr Singh, whose party recently quit the Mulayam Singh government over the cane price issue, said his party was gearing up for taking the Harit Pradesh issue to the masses again with a new vigour.

Moreover, the party was currently concentrating on strengthening the organisation.

Replying to a question about any tie up with other parties in Uttar Pradesh, Mr Singh said he was open to alliance but he was at present not discussing any specific proposal in this regard.

Mr Singh has been meeting VP Singh-led Jan Morcha leaders and recently had a meeting with a senior left leader.

He, howewver, refused to give any clear indication of his leanings, saying ''it was too early.'' The Congress had also recently said it was open to alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

UNI