JD(U) to take disciplinary action against those joining Samata Par

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) The Janata Dal (United) today threatened disciplinary action against party leaders joining the Samata Party but discouted that their leaving would have no impact on the party.

Talking to reporters here, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said since only two party leaders attended the Conference to revive the Samata Party, the party took no notice of them as it would not have any impact.

Asked why there was delay in taking disciplinary action against the party general Secretary Shiv Kumar, party General Secretary Shambhu Srivastava said the party took disciplinary action only after an inquiry was conducted.

Regarding why no action was taken against another close ally of former JD(U) President George Fernandes who had also attended the conference, he said a thorough inquiry would be held on who all participated in the conference and then disciplinary action would be taken against them.

Meanwhile, Mr Yadav said the party would not contest in the Punjab assembly election but extend support to the Akali Dal-BJP combine.

In Uttarakhand the JD(U) would field 20 candidates, he said.

Mr Yadav said Shiromani Akali Dal President and former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal has written a letter to him seeking his party's support to the Akali-BJP combine to ''uphold the democratic traditions and against the misrule of the Congress party.'' He said Mr Badal in a letter, has said since the process of selection of candidates was completed, it was not possible to adjust JD(U) candidates. However, Mr Badal assured to ''take care of JD(U)'' once his party comes to power.

UNI