Mulayam alleges top industrialist behind Prez rule conspiracy

Lucknow, Feb 20 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav tonight disclosed that a top industrialist, besides the Congress and BJP, was behind the conspiracy to dislodge the Samajwadi Party government in the state.

''A top industrialist, who was instrumental behind honouring Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as the best CM of the country by Rajiv Gandhi Foundation was behind the conspiracy to ouster my government,'' Mr Yadav said adding that the industrialist is working as a bridge of friendship between Sonia Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

Addressing a hurriedly called news conference here, Mr Yadav -- refusing to take the name of the industrialist -- said everyone is aware of the conspiracy. ''The industrialist is indulging in sychophancy,'' he noted.

''I question Mrs Sonia Gandhi on her liking for Mr Modi and dislike for me,'' he observed.

The SP Chief claimed the parties, who believe in democracy are opposing the clamping of President's rule in UP, while the parties supporting it are anti-constitutional. ''Parties not supporting us in this crisis will suffer in future.'' On SP leaders meeting the President this evening at New Delhi, Mr Yadav said Dr Kalam has assured to do the right thing. ''I do not think the President will succumb to pressure.'' Earlier in the day, Mr Yadav said ''I am confident they (Left parties) will oppose tooth and nail the imposition of President's Rule in UP by the Congress.'' He supremo also called upon party workers to maintain a vigil against the conspiracy of the Congress and BJP to dislodge the ''people oriented government'' and be ready to take to the streets.

Talking to mediapersons on sidelines of the 'Lohia Path' inauguration ceremony here, the CM said, ''I do not believe the Left Parties will compromise on the use of Article 356.'' ''When the Left supports abolishment of Article 356, then how can they support the UPA regime in this matter?'' he questioned.

However, the CM hinted there was a possibility of the imposition of President's rule in UP, but added SP the was ready to face any consequences and ultimately people will decide the fate in the coming UP election.

He clarified there was no Supreme Court stricture against his regime, nor any word on the disqualification of the remaining 24 MLAs of the Loktantrik Bahujan Dal (LBD).

''Congress and other parties are making wrong interpretation of the SC judgment and it is unfortunate that people like Mr Kapil Sibal are also in the same league,'' he lamented.

''The CM reiterated there ''is no question of my resignation nor disqualification of the 24 MLAs.'' Taking a dig on UP Governor T V Rajeswar, the CM said, ''He is acting on the directives of the Congress and is not taking any decision on his own.'' (Eds; Pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI MB VS USS DKA RN2055