Mayawati's advent in UP concern for BJP: Khanduri

Dehra Dun, May 12: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri today said Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party coming to power in Uttar Pradesh was a matter of grim concern for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in national politics.

Talking to mediapersons at his office here, Mr Khanduri said BJP's stature on national level had strengthened following its victory in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi, and victory in UP could have added more strength to the party.

''But the result in UP was unexpected and full of surprise,'' he said.

He maintained that the people were tired of too many adhoc governments and lack of satisfatory governance in the past years, hence voters might have opted for a one party government this time.

When asked whether BSP coming to power in UP would hamper resolution of issues of Uttarakhand lying with UP, Mr Khanduri said the problem between the two parties were political. He affirmed that the cases pending between UP and Uttarakhand would be gradually sorted out.

Eluding the question on decision of constituency from where he would contest election for Assembly membership, Mr Khanduri reiterated that prerogative lies with BJP leadership.

''Decision will be taken when time comes,'' he said.

Answering to queries on BJP government's excise policy that has drawn flake from various quarters including Congress party, alleging that the policy would benefit liquor mafias, Mr Khanduri said ''I am open to debate on the issue.'' ''Somebody should explain me how it benefits the mafias,'' he asserted.

He said it was absurd and exhibition of immature democracy on opposing party's part. He disclosed that the control on the price would still remain with the state government, adding that the government would decide upon the MRPs.

''My government have no intention to reap revenue out of liquor business,'' he said, adding that the policy was chalked out in such a manner that overconsumption of liquor is discouraged in the state and it also curtails mainpulation in liquor business.

When asked whether he will order a probe against one of his cabinet minister allegdly found involved in a murder of a woman, he said no complain had been filed yet, so there is no question of it. It is the prerogative of that state where the incident had taken place.

''Moreover, the concerned minister had already said he was open to any inquiry in the matter,'' he emphasised.

UNI

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