Chander Mohan strikes different tune

Chandigarh, Mar 14 (UNI) In a setback to disgruntled Congress leader Bhajan Lal, his elder son and Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan today reposed ''full faith'' in the leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

''I have been associated with the Congress party for the last 16 years and I have full faith and utmost regard in the leadership of Ms Sonia Gandhi and I will abide by all the directions and orders of the leader of the party,'' Mr Chander Mohan said in a brief statement faxed to the media here this evening.

The statement comes a day after Mr Bhajan Lal asserted that Chander Mohan was with him and would act according to his wishes. He said his elder son was under no pressure or temptation from any quarter and would side with him.

Mr Bhajan Lal had made this statement yesterday in Ambala while indicating that he would launch a new political party in a couple of months.

Contacted over phone, Mr Chander Mohan did not elaborate much on the issue but said: ''I will continue to stay in the Congress.'' Mr Bhajan Lal and his MP son Kuldeep Bishnoi, who was suspended by the Congress high command for criticising the party leadership recently, had become openly critical of the party ever since.

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