Ajit Singh supports Pratibha, deplores allegations

Alwar, June 23 (UNI) Former Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal President Ajit Singh deplored the allegations against UPA Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil and declared his party's support to her.

Addressing a press conference here today prior to the unveiling of a statue of his father and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, he said ''the allegations reflect the desperation within the NDA over the Presidential election.'' He said, ''It is a conscious attempt to tarnish the image of the UPA candidate and not in tune with grace of the post for which election is being held.'' He said, ''all are equal before the law'', adding that raking up issues after Ms Patil's Presidential nomination reflects the exasperation within the NDA camp.

He said Rashtriya Lok Dal would support Ms Patil for the presidency.

Replying to a question on the recent violent Gujjar agitation in the state demanding their inclusion in the ST category, he said everybody has the freedom to put forward their demands, but it should be in a peaceful way.

He said agitations turn violent when the government ignores the sentiments of people.

While extending support to the Gujjars' demand, he favoured reservation based on economic condition and education.

UNI