Cong, allies discuss strategies for presidential election

Bhopal, July 2 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Congress has expressed confidence that the United Progressive Alliance would be successful in mobilising support for its Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil.

A meeting was held at Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi's residence in the presence of Congress party's Madhya Pradesh incharge General Secretary V Narayan Sami this evening to discuss strategies related to Presidential election.

The meeting was also participated by political leaders of the NCP and Left parties.

Later, Mr Sami told reporters here that Ms Patil's victory was undisputed. The Congress would mobilise support for her in the state along with the support of its allies and non-BJP parties.

Union Minister of State Kantilal Bhuria, state Congress President Subhash Yadav, Ms Devi and other senior party leaders were present at the meeting.

Of the total 230 members in the state assembly, BJP has 160 members, Congress 40, Samajwadi Party seven, Gondwana Ganatantra Party three, BSP two, Rashtriya Samanta Dal two, JD(U) two, CPI(M) one and NCP one. Besides, two members are independent, while two seats are vacant.

Likewise, of the total 29 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP has 25, while the Congress has four seats. Of the total 11 Rajya Sabha seats, the BJP has seven and the Congress has three seats.

Regarding constituting of the party's state executive, he said announcement in this regard would be made soon.

He pointed out that Sidhi and Shivpuri by-elections had proved that people have become disillusioned with the BJP.

Mr Sami denied reports of groupism and factionalism in the party saying that senior party leaders would launch a coordinated public campagn against the BJP soon.

UNI