U'khand CM Khanduri denies rumours of 17 BJP MLAs resigning

Dehra Dun, Oct 21 (UNI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (retd) B C Khanduri has ''discarded rumours surrounding the resignation of 17 BJP MLAs in New Delhi'' yesterday and said party president Rajnath Singh had also denied the development.

In a fresh twist to the dissident campaign against Mr Khanduri, as many as 17 of the 34 BJP MLAs were rumoured to have submitted their resignations to Mr Singh in New Delhi yesterday complaining against his style of functioning.

Speculations were rife that another 11 MLAs would give in their papers today, putting the Chief Minister's chair in jeopardy.

Discarding the rumours, Mr Khanduri, during a late night press briefing at his residence here yesterday, said he had a discussion with Mr Singh who said no such event had taken place.

Party incharge of Uttarakhand Dr Anil Jain also denied the development and said there was no cause for concern.

Only two months ago, as many as 26 BJP legislators from the state had met Mr Singh in New Delhi and demanded the removal of Mr Khanduri.

The disgruntled legislators were led by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and met Mr Singh at his residence to express displeasure at Maj Gen Khanduri's style of functioning.

UNI PB AE DS1412