NDA to form govt in UP: Sharad Yadav

Bhopal, May 6 (UNI) Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav today said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government would play the role of opposition instead of indulging in ''jod tod ki rajniti (horse trading)'' if the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections threw a split verdict.

Mr Yadav told reporters here that the main contest in Uttar Pradesh was between the NDA and the BSP and preliminary assessment indicated that the NDA would form government.

However, an approach similar to that in Bihar would be followed if a split verdict came up and mandate would be sought again if no party was able to form government.

The JD(U) leader said campaigning by film stars could not lead to development of the state. Uttar Pradesh assembly polls lost its seriousness because of the presence of film stars.

The presence of film stars pushed the public-related issues like road, water, power, unemployment, law and order, and others to the backburner, he said.

Taking exception to superstar Amitabh Bachchan being described as the 'Star of the Millenium', he said only political leaders could create history and not filmstars.

Mr Yadav pointed out that barring Tamil Nadu, film stars had failed to convert visiting crowd into votes. The JD(U) had proved this in Bihar and Jharkhand in the areas where it had influence.

Filmstars had a different work area and should not be used for campaigning during elections, he added.

The JD(U) leader admitted that the party had its influence in limited areas and it was trying to spread its influence. The party would keep continuing coalition politics as per its needs.

On the prospective candidates for the elections to the post of President and Vice-President, he said the party would decide its strategy.

He also demanded the arrest of various 'babas (godmen)' found involved in making money white besides inquiry into the complete matter. He described the incident as ''shameful''.

The JD(U) leader said his party and the NDA would raise the issue in Parliament and pressurise the Centre to take strict action against those deceiving people in the name of religion.

He expressed regret over the Centre maintaining silence after the matter was exposed and not taking action against those involved in converting black money into white.

Referring to 'Hawala' scam, he said allegations had been levelled against 64 people and several people had resigned. Eleven Rajya Sabha members had been removed within 13 days.

He appealed to Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee to take similar action in this case also.

UNI