No merger between BJS and BJP: Prahlad

Bhopal, Apr 28 (UNI) Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) President Prahlad Patel today ruled out the possibility of the BJS merging into the BJP, describing such reports as a ''mere propaganda.'' On such reports gaining strength after Uma Bharti-led BJS decided to withdraw names of party candidates during Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Mr Patel told reporters here that the decision had not been analysed properly.

He said the BJS had not withdrawn the names of all the party candidates from the electoral battlefield. It would only not field candidates during the last two phases, he clarified.

However, the news was projected in such a manner that it appeared the BJS was not in fray, he noted.

Mr Patel alleged that the BJP was indulging in false propaganda to draw political mileage.

He said the party was focussing on Madhya Pradesh, where it could prove its strength.

The BJS would play the role of true opposition because the main opposition was unable to discharge its responsibility.

The BJS leader said the party would start a series of public agitations on public-related issues and put the government in the dock over the DMAT episode, the AKVN loan scam, power crisis and communal tension.

Mr Patel alleged that the government was not paying attention to sugarcane producers, who were forced to burn their crops and commit suicide on not receiving appropriate price for their crops.

Sugarcane is mostly produced in the Mahakaushal region of the state.

The BJS General Secretary claimed that the state Agriculture Minister did not even possess exact data related to the area where sugarcane was produced.

UNI