Jaya hints at pulling out of UNPA

Chennai, Sep 27 (UNI) Dropping enough hints about the AIADMK's continuance in the newly-formed United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), its supremo J Jayalalithaa today refused to clear the air about her party's position in the eight-party alliance.

''I am not saying anything. It is for the media to make its own inference,'' she said to a pointed query whether her party was still a part of the UNPA, of which she was one of the architects.

In an interview to Times Now TV, she also parried questions on fissures in the UNPA and her party's absence in the recent UNPA meetings.

''At this point of time, I do not want to answer any question on UNPA. I will talk about it at an appropriate time,'' she added.

On the AIADMK's absence in the recent UNPA meeting attended by Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu and whether it was a hint for what was in store, she merely said ''you can draw your own inference.'' About reports that the AIADMK was moving closer to the BJP, Ms Jayalalithaa said ''we agree on many issues. But the time is not yet ripe to discuss any alliance. The AIADMK is not in a hurry to forge alliance with any party.'' Asked what would be the regional/national equation in the alliance, she said ''I can't say anything. The situation is fluid.

We don't know when exactly the elections are going to take place.

We don't know whether it will only be general elections or along with elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.'' The issue of alliance would be discussed and decided at the time of elections, she added.

On Rahul Gandhi's elevation as AICC General Secretary, she said ''it is an internal matter of the Congress. What has happened is not a surprise. The Congress seems not to believe in democracy, but in dynasty. Any further comment is unwarranted as it is the internal matter of the Congress.'' UNI GV GD SHB DS1420