BJP has no programme for poor: Paswan

Davanagere, May 13 (UNI) Former Union Minister and Lok Janashakti President Ramvilas Paswan today alleged that the BJP was ''hungry for power'' and had ''no programme for the poor.'' Addressing an election meeting here, he alleged that the saffron party was only interested in grabbing power and not interested in improving the economic conditions of the poor.

Calling upon the Muslims and Hindus to unite in the fight against communalism, Mr Paswan claimed that his party was fighting against communal forces, while ''the BJP was sowing communal seeds.'' Alleging that the BJP had ''demolished'' the Babri Masjid as it was built by Emperor Baber, Mr Paswan asked ''whether the BJP will demolish Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Supreme Court and Parliament buildings because they were built by the British and Taj Mahal and Qutab Minar built by the Muslims.'' While calling the BJP ''hungry for power'' Mr Paswan said Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi had turned down the Prime Minister's post to serve the poor.

He said a three-day International Dalit and Minority Convention would be held in New York from June four, which would be attended by about 1,000 delegates from India.

Mr Paswan appealed to the people belonging to the OBC in Karnataka not to vote for the BJP in the Assembly elections as ''the party was after power.'' In Davanagere, the Congress was supporting Lok Janashakti candidate, since the nomination of the Congress candidate was rejected on the ground that the name in the 'B' form was changed.

Congress had submitted the 'B' form in the name of its official candidate Saffiulla, who ''under threat'' striked his name and wrote the name of former Minister S S Mallikarjuna, who had been denied ticket and staged a protest along with his supporters.

However, the Returning Officer, after scrutiny, rejected both the nominations, following which the Congress announced its support to the Lok Janashakti candidate.

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