Uf To Focus Attack On Bjp Election Plank

UF leaders say the BSP-Congress alliance has failed to make an impression on the electorate because of the way it was formed and that the contest is really with the BJP. And hence the decision to focus its attack on the BJP.

How can the BJP talk of stability when its government in Uttar Pradesh did not last for two years after the 1991 elections? The BJP government, which came to power with a two-thirds majority in Gujarat, is riven by factionalism. And there are problems in the Rajasthan unit of the party, CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan said.

He said the BJP's claims of providing a clean government had also proved to be hollow after the Harshwardhan and Kini episodes. The BJP, he said, would also be targetted for its espousal of communalism.

The Front leaders have also decided to issue a common appeal in line with the UF common minimum programme. This was decided at the meeting of Front leaders at Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's residence Monday night.

The meeting was attended, among others, by the Prime Minister, defence minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, railway minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Janata Dal working president Sharad Yadav, CPI(M) general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet and CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan, Congress (T) president Narain Dutt Tiwari and BKKP president Ajit Singh.

To project a cohesive image, it has been decided to issue a common appeal to the electorate. The appeal, which is likely to be released on September 21, will focus on the socio-cultural and industrial development of the state. It will also dwell on the growing criminalisation of UP politics and ways to curb the menace. The Front has also decided to set up a six-member campaign commitee, which will chalk out programmes for joint campaigns by leaders of all the six Front constituents.

Top UF leaders including the Prime Minister, Dal president Laloo Prasad, home minister Indrajit Gupta, CPI(M) general secretary H S Surjeet and CPI general secretary A B Bardhan are expected to campaign extensively in the state. UF sources said Gowda is expected to devote 10 days to campaigning in the state.