SP says Shahid's exit will not affect trust vote

New Delhi, Jul 19 (UNI) The Samajwadi Party today tried to play down the desertion of its General Secretary Shahid Siddiqui, saying his exit would not affect the party's strength during the voting on the trust motion on July 22, as he was only a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Reacting to Mr Siddiqui's decision to join hands with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), SP General Secretary Amar Singh said, ''Shahid is an old friend...his decision has pained me, but it will have no effect on the party.'' Mr Singh alleged that Mr Siddiqui's decision to join the BSP was impelled by the fact that he could not be assured of the party ticket for a second term in the Rajya Sabha.

UNI NAZ ATI NS2242