Uf-Cong Patch-Up Possible: Vajpayee

Staging a claimbdown within 24 hours, BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpyee yesterday said there was a possibility of a patch-up between the UF and the Congress.

On Sunday he had ruled out any other eventuality except that of a mid-term poll. Also, something seems to have happened making Vajpayee less then assertive about the proposed National Democratic Front, which the party was planning along with its allies. When asked yesterday, he said we are pursuing it. It was an idea mooted in the national executive committee of the BJP. However, yesterday he looked certain about it. He had said that in the Rashtriya Loktantrik Morcha which the party is forming with the allies, it will also try to include the allies in different states. But today that certainty was gone. He merely said that if the Front is formed even small groups, like one in Orissa which is wanting to work with the party, would be able to do so, since it cannot break away due to the application of anti-defection law.

He suggested, on the lines of German Constitution, that anyone who wishes to bring down the government must present an alternative model of governance. In that case if he goes to the President, then the President will advise him to go to the Parliament and do whatever he needs to do.

He suggested that the legislature once elected should be in place for its full term, the government may change. In such a case if the government is not formed, then the President should be able to rule with the help of the advisors. OurPresident is not an ornamental piece as the British sovereign is. He is elected by an electoral college which consists of not only the members of Parliament but also the members if state legislatures. He is also the supreme commander of armed forces and the guarantor of the Constitution, he said.

Asked why do not you say that there should be presidential form of government? He said that the supreme court has ruled that there cannot be change in the basic structure of the constitution, but this suggestion does not involve any change in the basic structure.

Asked if this suggestion would be send to other parties as well ? He said that they are busy hobnobbing and have not had time for these. This is meant for the thinking persons of the country.

He did not clarify on the reported Kanshi Ram statement from Bhatinda that his party alliance with the BJP is only for one year and his party will go with those who give it maximum advantage. He said what is wrong with it, all of us go to the who give it maximum advantage. But later said that I have read the statement but will reply on it only when it has been verified.

Asked if he suspects the foreign powers role in bringing down this government. He said categorically no. Why I should suspect the patriotic credentials of any party?

He said that the BJP is not too keen for a mid-term poll but in a democracy left with no option this is the ultimate decision to go to the people.