UPA will retain power at Centre: Moily

Kozhikode, Aug 28 (UNI) The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) will retain power at the Centre after the next general elections, AICC Media Cell Covenor M Veerappa Moily said today.

''UPA and its allies would be able to double their strength in the Lok Sabha'' paving the way for the formation of the next government at the Centre after the 2009 general elections, Mr Moily, who was here for a book release function, told reporters.

Many progressive steps, including the proposed civilian nuclear deal with the US, would ensure a smooth sail for the coalition, he predicted.

On the entry of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) into the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, he said the doors are not yet closed.

However, he said a final decision on the issue would be taken by the Party High Command while taking into account opinions of State leadership, including Opposition leader Oommen Chandy and KPCC Chief Ramesh Chennithala.

The issue should be taken up by the national leadership of the NCP, with whom the Congress had clinched alliances in many states, including Maharashtra, he added.

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