BJP counting on independents to form UP govt

Varanasi, Apr 20 (UNI) BJP president Rajnath Singh today said his ''party would take the support of independents to form the next government in Uttar Pradesh if it failed to win majority.'' ''There is no question of post-poll tie-up with any party in the event of BJP falling just short of a majority. We will instead muster the support of sufficient number of independents to form the government,'' Mr Singh told newspersons here this evening.

''I have been touring across UP and a massive support in favour of BJP is palpable. Let the seven phase poll be over and our party will win majority,'' Mr Singh stated.

''If at all we failed to win a majority, the party will certainly emerge as the single largest party in UP,'' Mr Singh said. ''We will then count on the support of independents to form the government.'' Asked what the party will do in event of a hung assembly in UP, Mr Singh said ''first of all there is no question of a hung assembly...if it happens we will not tie-up with any other party, but instead, emulating the earlier example of Bihar poll, the party will not stake claim to form government in UP.'' Mr Singh also questioned the authenticity of opinion and exit polls saying ''these surveys first showed BJP being wiped out in UP and were now forecasting tight contest between BJP, BSP and SP. I do not belive them.'' Reiterating that Kalyan Singh was the undisputed chief ministerial face of BJP in UP, Mr Singh refused reply to a question as to whether Apna Dal leader Sone Lal Patel could be offered chief minister's post in case BJP failed to make it to the majority mark.

The BJP is contesting the poll in UP in alliance with Apna Dal and JD(U).

Mr Singh also denied there were any differences in the state party set up. ''Difference of opinion is bound to crop up in any party, but that does not mean it is breaking up.'' Mr Singh said there was no question of BJP being de-recognised by the EC over the CD issue. ''BJP is a party, which has ruled the centre in the past and has governments in 10 states presently. Now, our stature has surpassed Congress and hence there is no question of de-recognition.'' UNI