Not to part with BJP despite Namdhari's resignation:JD(U)

Ranchi, Mar 12 (UNI) Ruling out any chasm with the BJP, the JD(U) today made it clear that the March 29 Palamu Lok Sabha byelection was a ''friendly'' contest with its ally.

Hard-hit by senior party leader and former Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari's resignation as MLA last night, the JD(U) said it had certainly caused dent to the party.

State JD(U) president Jaleswar Mahto said, ''We are dismissing any rift between our party and the BJP. The bypoll will be a friendly contest as the NDA aliies have failed to select a commmon candidate for the seat.'' Last night Mr Namdhari, also an MLA from Daltonganj, put in his paper before Speaker Alamgir Alam, saying his request for supporting the BJP nominee in the fray was not given credence by the JD(U) leadership forcing him to resign.

Asked if the party would approach the former Speaker, Mr Mahto told UNI that Mr Namdhari had already resigned as member of the House leaving any scope for cajoling.

The state JD(U) president admitted the ''friendly'' contest coupled with Mr Namdhari's leaving the party in favour of the saffron brigade would be seen as ''relatively weak'' Opposition.

''I cannot talk on the distant future but immediately the NDA is intact,'' he asserted.

Last night Mr Namdhari after putting in his papers termed his decision as ''irrevocable'', saying he was not required to send a letter to the JD (U) separately as his relinquishing the legislator's post was tantamount to his dissociation from the party.

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