Cong challenges Mulayam to debate pubic issues with Rahul

Varanasi, May 6 (UNI) Congress has challenged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav to engage in a healthy debate with Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi over various public issues, instead of indulging in 'mud-slinging' to win the ongoing Assembly poll.

''We regret none of the parties excluding Congress has fought the elections on issues that concern the common public of the state.

Instead, the political parties have indulged in mud-slinging campaign against each other to garner votes,'' UP Congress Committee (UPCC) president Salman Khurshid told reporters here last night.

''None of the public issues have been debated by political parties, especially the ruling Samajwadi Party. I have said it in past and reiterate that UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav can engage in a healthy debate on various public issues with any of our top leaders including Rahul Gandhi,'' he added.

Predicting a hung assembly in the state after polls, Mr Khurshid said ''no party will be able to win 150 seats in the elections.'' But the next government in the state cannot be formed without the participation of Congress, which will improve its position dramatically over the 2002 Assembly polls.

''We will not go into how many seats the party will win, but it will considerably improve in terms of percentage of vote share. On an average our vote share will be anywhere between 15 to 17 per cent,'' UPCC president claimed.

Evading direct reply on possibility of president rule in the state in the event of a hung assembly, Mr Khurshid said ''I cannot say anything on it. Imposition of president rule cannot be ruled out but all would depend on the kind of situation that prevails after polls in UP.'' Refusing to divulge about prospects of post-poll alliance in the state, Mr Khurshid said ''we are fighting a battle with all the three parties, BJP, SP and BSP. While we are engaged in an ideological contest with the BJP, the fight with SP is more on style of governance and the battle with BSP is of alternative.'' ''We never wanted to break ties with the SP, but party's style of functioning compelled us to end relations with the Mulayam Singh Yadav led government. There is no question of aligning with BJP as we cannot compromise on ideology,'' he maintained.

Refusing to come clear on a prospective alliance with BSP, the UPCC chief said ''BSP and Congress are one on the issue of working for the cause of dalits. But presently we doubt as to whether the Mayawati led party is still committed to the cause of dalits or not,'' he added.

Mr Khurshid also claimed that the minority community held the key to end the reign of politics of casteism in the state. ''Their (minority) association with mainstream parties instead of regional outfits will usher the end of caste based politics in the state.'' UNI