Gowda,Rao Discussed Gujarat

They were reported to have discussed the situation in that state, among other issues at the meeting, which lasted for over half-an-hour.

Coming in the wake of the Left allies' strong objections to his regular visits to 9, Motilal Nehru Marg, Gowda's reasons must have been compelling.

Though the Janata Dal does not have a presence in the Gujarat Assembly, the developments in Gujarat could be politically fruitful for the United Front government if it can influence the situation there in favour of the Congress, which is supporting the United Front government at the Centre.

The Congress has 40 MLAs in the 182-member Assembly and the fall of the BJP government could directly benefit the party.

The Gujarat unit of the Congress had already declared its resolve to support efforts of dissident Gujarat MLAs to form a government.

Governor Krishna Pal Singh was appointed by the Rao government.

He had called on Rao during his last visit to the capital soon after dissident BJP MLAs had submitted a list of 46 MLAs to him, declaring themselves as Mahagujarat Janata Party.

Deputy Speaker Chandubhai Dhabi, who is playing a crucial role in the Gujarat Assembly proceedings in the absence of the Speaker, was elected to the Assembly on Congress ticket.

The speaker, who is being treated for a brain tumour, was elected on a BJP ticket.

Damage to BJP in Gujarat is likely to have a positive impact on the electoral prospects of the United Front and the Congress-BSP alliance in the UP elections due on October 10.